Thumbprints - Brown Lacewing

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The brown lacewing is, like the green lacewing, of the order Neuroptera (family Hemerobiidae). Lacewings are also known as stinkflies, because in order to protect themselves they are able to emit a disagreeable odour. The brown lacewing resembles the green lacewing but it is smaller and can have dark spots on its wings. The larva, often called an aphidlion, captures aphids and other soft-bodied insects to drain body fluids. It feeds continously for about two weeks, then it spins a silken cocoon and remains in it for about two weeks. Some lacewing larvae hold debris, like bodies of their victims, on their backs. With this camouflage, it can surprise its victims as well as protect itsselve from enemies. S.R.