What are aphid lions?

Aphid lions are the larvae of green lacewings (family Chrysopidae), which are predatory insects known for their voracious appetite for aphids.12

These larvae are characterized by their moderately elongated, broad bodies and long, sharp, incurved jaws. Unlike some other predators that chew their prey, aphid lions use their specialized mandibles to pierce the body of an aphid and suck out its visceral and body fluids through a channel or groove.21

To ensure their offspring have immediate access to food, adult green lacewings typically lay their eggs on stalks within aphid colonies. Some species of these larvae are known to carry packets of debris on their backs as camouflage. While the term "aphid lion" specifically refers to chrysopid larvae, it is sometimes used more broadly to describe various insect larvae that feed on aphids, including ladybug larvae. Additionally, the larvae of brown lacewings (family Hemerobiidae) are similarly referred to as "aphid wolves".123