Lacewing

Photo(s): 
Lacewing

Lacewing

Unknown sp.

Eggs are usually laid on thin stalks attached to wood or leaves, although some species lay them directly into sand or on vegetation. Courtship in some species involves the use of sex pheromones and sound.

Details Description
Type
Invertebrate
Group
Insect - Lacewing
Identifying Characteristics

Adult lacewings range from 5-150 mm in length and vary in colour from bright green to brown or black. They have two pairs of membranous wings. The larvae have flattened disc-like bodies with long hair-like projections. Adults and larvae have powerful grasping jaws which are used to hold onto their prey, and tube-shaped mouthparts which are used to suck fluids from their prey.
Distinctive Markings

The end of the main veins in the wings are branched.
Diet

Carnivore, although some species feed on nectar and plant material. Larvae feed on other invertebrates, decaying vegetable matter and freshwater sponges. They may parasitise spiders or wasps.
Habitat

Found in most habitats in Australia, often in urban areas. Common on native vegetation such as flowering eucalypts.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Bites/Sting
Can cause minor irritation to the skin.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Neuroptera
Family
Unknown
Genus
Unknown
Species
sp.
Lacewing
Occurs throughout most parts of Australia.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.