Litinsects #31: Lacewings Lacewings belong to the insect order NEUROPTERA, or net-winged insects, which I’d guess might be among the orders that you’ve never heard of... Neuropterans are characterized by membranous wings with many branching veins. Species in this order undergo complete metamorphosis. This here is a green lacewing and here are a few facts about these fellas. These insects are active predators but are omnivorous. They prey on scale insects, aphids, mites, and other small soft-bodied arthropods but may also feed on pollen, nectar, and aphid honeydew. The larvae are also predacious and are sometimes referred to as aphid lions Lacewings are often used as biological pest control They have tympanal organs at the base of their wings... remember these? They are the insect equivalents of eardrums. They can sense bat echolocation so when they hear a predator while flying, they drop to the ground to avoid being caught Individuals produce courtship songs through body vi...
Weekly fun facts about the world of insects