Can anybody ID this aphid slaying monster?

[wildlifepilgrim]

I was hoping it was a hoverfly larvae, but I'm not sure now


Whatever it is, I'll keep it to see what it does turn into

[Jason Green]

Hi WP,

I believe it's a Lacewing larva with those big jaws! If you keep it, it'll need a big supply of aphids, etc. The aphids will in turn need a live, watered plant in there, based in mud or compost.

[charlieb]

It's a lacewing (Neuroptera) larva - easy to rear, just keep it supplied with aphids! Might be able to ID it when it hatches out.

[wildlifepilgrim]

Thanks! I have a major aphid problem on my sweetpeas, so I will bring him a fresh infested leaf everyday.

Will it cocoon on leaf?

[charlieb]

Yeah, it'll wrap itself up in a small ball when it's ready.

[wildlifepilgrim]

Hurrah! The little blighter has cocooned! It'll be just a matter of time before we know exactly what it is!