Green Lacewings Chrysoperla carnea and related species

Shown is the Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea). Although very common throughout the UK and most of Europe, there are 14 species of similar-looking green Lacewings in the UK. The Common Green, usually just called Lacewing, is all light green with green-veined wings, but sometimes shows a pale to white central line on the back. It begins to go brown in autumn.

The large eyes are iridescent red and green

The "lace" or feathery veins of the wings

The usual body shape is long, cigar-like and the antennae are nearly as long as the head and body

The Common Green Lacewing hibernates over winter as an adult, so it turns from green to brown for winter camouflage - usually seeking refuge in buildings.

The brown lace

On the turn to brown and coming indoors

Sometimes the body shape has a waist and curves, tapering to the end; is this the female? (or another species?)

Green Lacewing with white line and turquoise veins

Sometimes the white dorsal line is quite pronounced and the wings veins a more turquoise green (different species?). Different species have different courting vibrations and one species won't respond to another, similar-looking species' vibrations.