f/4, 1/250, ISO 1000, 100mm
A shot from October that I had overlooked. Lacewings appear delicate but are formidable predators of aphids. According to my Collins Complete Guide to British Insects, ‘the larvae of some species camouflage themselves with the dead skins of their prey’ (p.106). I thought it was pretty, toning with the autumn colour of my dogwood tree. Lacewings look amazing in flight; a photographic challenge for this year perhaps…
Cropped for those who like their bugs up close and personal
Focused Moments 
Could you ship me a dozen or so. Tell them I have plenty of delectable aphids for them on my summer shrubs. Nice Pics. M
Just as soon as they have finished devouring all the aphids in my garden! 😉
Beneficial insect! I saw them around in my garden when weather is warm.
Thanks. Yes, a gardener’s friend for sure!
Every spring I will buy some mantis egg cases for myself and for my clients. They somehow control snails and slugs as well.
Ah, I am guessing you live somewhere very different from me. If you mean the preying mantis, then that’s not a option in cold, wet, windy England! I did try nematodes for the out-of-control slug population of my previous, walled garden. But it didn’t work. The slugs are not so much a problem here, where the garden is more open, although they were certainly better controlled when we had a hedgehog.
A photo of a Lacewing in flight would be an amazing achievement Rachael; good luck with that challenge.
He he. I suspect it’s asking too much. But I will have fun trying.
I do love to see bugs up close. I once was fiercely afraid of them. But now, God shows me his humor in creating one. 🙂
Thank you. Believe it or not, I used to be afraid of them too! Now I think they’re beautiful, mostly. (Except the spiders!)
Awesome shots, Rachael. It’s amazing how you can clearly see the colors in his eyes.
Thanks, Gracie. They do have the most stunning eyes. I had not noticed it before taking these shots.
If you have any left over from mvschulze, I could sure use bunches. The aphids were all over my winter veggie garden. Then again, I think the snails didn’t leave a whole lot for me, not to mention the slugs.
The aphids never left over here – I found some very healthy (if that word can be applied) populations in January. We need a proper freeze.
Nice capture!
Thank you!
I love lacewings but I’ve never been able to get a photograph of them. The last one is just perfect!
Thanks! They are a super beneficial insect. I like them too 🙂