Split-eyed Owlfly (Ululodes sp.)

I thought this insect was a badly mangled dragonfly at first, one that was in the process of being sucked into a spider’s lair. You’re looking down at this insect — i.e., its right side is pointed upwards, its top is pointed sideways, and its legs are wrapped around a piece of wood in a…

Chrysopodes collaris (Lacewing)

This lovely little green lacewing is Chrysopodes collaris, no common name, local to coastal Texas and southern Florida down into Central America. (This describes 90% of species found in Florida….) “The red lineations on the clypeus [above and between the mouthparts] are a highly unique trait among all Chrysopidae in our area”, according to bugguide….

Green Lacewing

I am 99% sure this green lacewing is Leucochrysa pavida, or possibly Nodita pavida depending on how much free time you have. The problem with green lacewings is that the differences between species often depend on one being able to take the insect apart, or at least get waaaaay up close like this for a…

Green Lacewing Larva

I have been trying to get a picture of one of these diminutive little specks of dust for quite some time. It’s not that they’re hard to find, it’s just that it’s hard to get a photo where you can tell this is something other than a little poof of dust! This is a junkbug,…

Green Lacewing Eggs

These delicate little white eggs, each on its own half-inch stalk, are about 2mm long. They actually hatch into some fairly fierce predators: the larvae of green lacewings (Chrysopidae). The adult insects are delicate little things (although still predatory) but the half-inch larvae have huge, spiky mandibles and are known as aphid wolves or aphid…