December Lacewing

[col188]

A winter visitor when I opened a window, didn't stay around for long. I saw it the next day sunning itself on the top of the car.
Not sure which one?
Col

[Jenny W]

Chrysoperla carnea, they are the only species that overwinters as adults There's tons in our house!

[Jason Green]

Hi Colin,

Brown lacewings are in the Hemerobiidae family - this appears to be a redish shade, but I suspect it's a camouflaging colouration. It has a few hints of green around the thorasic area and a general look of a Chrysops sp., s I suggest it belongs to the Chrysopidae family - green lacewings, in my opinion.

Take care,

Jason

EDIT: Interesting fact there, Jenny.

[col188]

Thanks Jenny & Jason.
Looked it up and it is Chrysoperla carnea. The over wintering Autumn brood have apparently a brownish pinky red colouring.
Col

[Jason Green]

Hi Colin,

I assume the colouring would be due to hibernation and camouflage. The Green Shieldbug goes from, well green , to brown from Autumn to Spring so it blends in with dying foliage and leaf-litter. Maybe that is the same reason that this Lacewing does too - anyone?

Take care,

Jason

[Jenny W]

Yeah, I guess it is - same as the Shieldbugs, they lose their green colour in autumn and then regain in the spring

[Jason Green]

Thanks Jenny!

[krisp]

Hi there, i found a green lacewing in my house tonight, i'm in Glasgow, i've never seen one before, and have no idea how it got in, any ideas?. Many thanks.

[Jenny W]

It will be overwintering in your house - somewhere sheltered away from the worst of the weather. Our house is full of them!

[krisp]

Thanks Jenny, i just found it a bit odd, what with the weather, no windows open etc, also it is a new house, and i haven't seen one before, just couldn't understand how it could have got in. .