lacewing

[ leys-wing ]

noun

1. any of several insects of the family Chrysopidae, having delicate, lacelike wings wings and golden or copper-colored eyes, the larvae of which are predaceous on aphids and other small insects.

lacewing

/ ˈleɪsˌwɪŋ /

noun

1. any of various neuropterous insects, esp any of the families Chrysopidae ( green lacewings ) and Hemerobiidae ( brown lacewings ), having lacy wings and preying on aphids and similar pests

Word History and Origins

Origin of lacewing¹

First recorded in 1850–55; lace + wing

Example Sentences

Organizers have prepared a form and a mobile app to help people identify and report their firebug and lacewing sightings during this year’s two insect-counting events.

From Seattle Times

The practice can restore biodiversity including insects like the green lacewing, that in turn may help farmers control pests such as the olive fruit fly and the olive moth, Manzaneda said.

From Reuters

Lady beetles and lacewings have shown an appetite for feeding on the scale and displayed some efficacy in attacking it, Chen said, but not yet in a way that can halt its spread.

From Washington Post

Yet repeated expeditions back to the Fayetteville Walmart and the surrounding forest by Dr. Fisher and some of his colleagues have yet to yield any more giant lacewing finds.

From New York Times

As an example, black cutworm caterpillars are eaten by green lacewings, among others.

From Salon