Lacewings are delicate, green insects, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, with large transparent, veined wings. They are very beneficial in the garden.

Lacewing eggs are laid singly on slender stalks that are out-of-the-way of predators. In five to seven days, the eggs hatch into spiny, spindle shaped yellow-brown larvae. These larvae are even better at eating destructive insects than ladybugs. They are called "aphid lions". These larvae feed on aphids and other soft-bodies, destructive insects, such as mites, thrips, mealybugs, scales, small caterpillars, and moth eggs. The lacewings then spend about two weeks in a silky, pearl-sized cocoon, on the underside of a leaf.

There are two species of these insects which can be purchased as eggs to be scattered throughout the garden. To attract wild lacewings grow plants which have pollen and nectar, and provide water when the weather is dry.