aphidlion

insect larva

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

An aphidlion is the larval stage of certain insects, most notably the green lacewing (family Chrysopidae). These larvae are voracious predators, particularly of aphids, making them beneficial for gardens and agriculture.12

Aphidlion larvae possess prominent, sucking mouthparts that they use to drain the body fluids from their prey. Some aphidlions are also known as "trash bugs" because they camouflage themselves by carrying debris, including the remains of their victims, on their backs. After a period of intense feeding, the larva spins a silken cocoon and pupates before emerging as an adult.2

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green lacewing
Life cycle
The larva, often called an aphidlion, has prominent sucking mouthparts and well-developed legs. These capture and drain body fluids from aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Although many lacewing larvae are nocturnal and need no camouflage, some, known as trash bugs or junk bugs, hold debris (including the bodies of their…
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The larva, often called an aphidlion, has prominent sucking mouthparts and well-developed legs. These capture and drain body fluids from aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Although many lacewing larvae are nocturnal and need no camouflage, some, known as trash bugs or junk bugs, hold debris (including the bodies of their…
Read More

homopteran
Associations with other insects
Another predator is the aphidlion, or lacewing larva, a chrysopid with mandibles like the ladybird larva. However, instead of chewing the aphids, the aphidlion larva inserts its mandibles into the body of the aphid and sucks fluids through a channel or groove on the inside of its mandible. Green…
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Another predator is the aphidlion, or lacewing larva, a chrysopid with mandibles like the ladybird larva. However, instead of chewing the aphids, the aphidlion larva inserts its mandibles into the body of the aphid and sucks fluids through a channel or groove on the inside of its mandible. Green…
Read More