Common green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea)

Model on a scale of 30:1
The model is firmly mounted on a branch.
Dimensions: approx. 65 cm long | 40 cm wide | 40 cm high

Distribution and habitat

The common green lacewing is to be found in the entire holarctic region and is by far the most common lacewing species in Central Europe.
It prefers low vegetation and can be found wherever the larvae find suitable prey.

Lifestyle and special aspects

This delicate insect with its wing span of 20 - 28 mm is also called "golden eye" because of its shiny metallic eyes.

The larvae consume huge quantities of aphids and other "harmful" insects. The common green lacewing is therefore successfully used in biological pest control.

The adult insects hibernate in trees, hollows and buildings, and change their body colour as a result of temperature and the length of daylight from green to reddy brown in winter, and back to green again in spring.

The common green lacewing lays its eggs individually on a long stem, as protection from predators but also to protect the hatching larvae from each other (cannibalism).