Love the Lacewing Insect

Dr Abe V Rotor

Common lacewing (Chrysopa sp.) collected at Amadeo, Cavite 2010

The lacewing belongs to the nerve-winged order of insects, Neuroptera, together with the antlions, mantisflies and owlflies - and some 4,300 known species.

It is also called aphidlion because its larva feeds mainly on aphids, indistinguishably mingling with its prey until it pupates in a silken cocoon where it spends brief quiescence. Then it metamorphoses into one of the most beautiful creatures on earth.

Its delicate wings act like prism that splits light exuding an aura of enchantment. But such beauty is discreet and ephemeral mainly by its diminutive size and nocturnal habit. Lacewings are rare to find, yet there are instances when they swarm like midges, a phenomenon that puzzles scientists to this day.

I have learned to love the lacewing. At one time in the middle of the night she came and alighted on my notes. She greeted me, her long antennae waving, and like a bird, preened her wings bringing in the rainbow in the middle of the night. It was a most beautiful scene in the dark which is indeed a rare experience.~

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