# Lacewing

> Insects of the family Chrysopidae, mainly Chrysoperla species, whose larvae are general predators of aphids, thrips, mite eggs and young caterpillars.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/lacewing.html
- Also written: lacewings, green lacewing, Chrysoperla, Chrysoperla carnea, Chrysoperla rufilabris, aphid lion
- Glossary category: Pests and diseases · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

Green lacewings are delicate green insects of the family Chrysopidae with large, net-veined wings. The adults of the commonly sold *Chrysoperla* species feed on nectar, pollen and [honeydew](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/honeydew.md). Their larvae, often called aphid lions, are voracious generalist predators with sickle-shaped jaws that eat [aphids](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/aphid.md), [thrips](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thrips.md), [whitefly](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/whitefly.md) nymphs, mite eggs and small caterpillars.

## In practice

Growers buy lacewings as eggs on cards or as young larvae in a carrier and distribute them near pest colonies. Larvae hunt for two to three weeks before pupating. Because they eat almost anything small, including each other and other [beneficials](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/biological-control.md), they are best used as a strike force on aphid hot spots rather than as the only programme. Eggs sit on hair-like stalks, which is how growers recognise wild lacewings outdoors. Avoid broad-spectrum sprays where they are active.

## Don't confuse with

- **Ladybird larvae**: stockier, spiny, usually dark with orange marks.
- **Brown lacewings**: a related family with similar predatory larvae.
- **Syrphid fly larvae**: legless maggots that also eat aphids.

## Related terms

[Ladybird](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/ladybird.md), [Aphid](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/aphid.md), [Aphidius](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/aphidius.md), [Biological control](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/biological-control.md), [Thrips](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/thrips.md)

## Read more

- [Aphids on cannabis: species, life tables, population growth and IPM](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/pests/aphids.md)

## Sources

1. UC IPM. Pest Notes: Aphids (Publication 7404). https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html
2. UConn IPM. Biological Control of Aphids. https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/ipm-biological-control-of-aphids/