Chrysoperla carnea

The common green lacewing is a small, delicate insect measuring 10 to 15 millimetres in length. It has a pale green body and clear wings with detailed veins. When resting, the wings are held over the body like a roof. It is not easy to tell it apart from similar species just by looking at it; scientists often use wing vein patterns and genetic tests to identify it. Its large eyes are a shiny gold or copper colour, which stand out. The adults are weak fliers and are often drawn to lights on summer evenings. This insect is found all over the UK in gardens, hedgerows, edges of woods, and grasslands from spring to autumn. The adult lacewings feed on honeydew, nectar, and pollen. The young, or larvae, are fierce hunters of aphids, which is why they are sometimes called "aphid lions". The common green lacewing survives the winter as an adult. It often looks for shelter inside buildings, where its colour changes to brown. When spring comes, it turns back to green.