BROWN LACEWING
Micromus posticus
BROWN LACEWING FAMILY (Hemerobiidae)
Description
This very small Neuropteran (nerve-winged insect) is about a half inch long (including wings). It is light brown overall. It’s four wings are brownish and transparent with dark zigzags. Brown lacewings are widespread with 61 species in six genera in North America. The specimen shown in photo A was photographed at Neale Woods in mid-September 2012 attracted to lights for mothing. Photo B was taken in Fontenelle Forest in October 2012 in the floodplain. Photo C was taken at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late September 2012.
Occurrence
The brown lacewing is probably common in this area although it is not as common as the green lacewing.
Comments
The larvae are sometimes called aphid wolves because of their heavy predation of aphids. Adults are also predacious, mainly on aphids. These insects are considered to be very beneficial for farmers and gardeners since they eat aphids, a common agricultural pest. Females attach their eggs directly to leaves. Adults fly from spring into fall.
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is: Loren Padelford.
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