How do brown lacewings differ from green lacewings?

Brown lacewings and green lacewings are both members of the order Neuroptera, but they belong to different families and exhibit distinct physical and biological characteristics.

Key Differences

• Family Classification: Green lacewings belong to the family Chrysopidae, while brown lacewings are primarily categorized under the family Hemerobiidae.
• Appearance: Green lacewings are typically green, yellowish, or gray with iridescent golden or copper-colored eyes and long, filiform (threadlike) antennae. In contrast, brown lacewings are generally small with moniliform (beadlike) antennae and wings that are hairy and possess fewer crossveins.12
• Defense Mechanisms: Adult green lacewings are often called stinkflies because they emit a disagreeable odor as a protective device.1
• Larval Traits: Green lacewing larvae, known as aphid lions, are often hairy and may carry debris on their backs for camouflage. Brown lacewing larvae, sometimes called aphis wolves, have smooth bodies with fine hairs and short, incurved jaws.12

While both are valued as beneficial insects for their role in biological control of garden pests like aphids, their distinct physical traits and family lineages set them apart.12