lacewing

American  

[leys-wing] / ˈleɪsˌwɪŋ /

noun

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

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lacewing British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of lacewing

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 • May 28, 2024

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 • Sep. 14, 2023

The giant lacewing, or Polystoechotes punctata, is a large insect from the Jurassic Era.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023

In one large glob of amber, the extended wing of a butterflylike lacewing shows a decoy eyespot that may have helped misdirect predators.

From Science Magazine • May 23, 2019

Or there, almost invisible against a leaf, is the lacewing, with green gauze wings and golden eyes, shy and secretive, descendant of an ancient race that lived in Permian times.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson