Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of insect: A "green lacewing" is a pale green, delicate insect belonging to the family Chrysopidae. It is known for its unpleasant odor when handled and for having larvae that are predators of other insects like aphids.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gardener released green lacewings into the greenhouse to control the aphid population naturally.
  • A green lacewing landed on the leaf, its wings shimmering in the sunlight.

Advanced Usage

• Biological control agent: In agriculture and gardening, "green lacewing" often refers to the insect used for pest management.
  • Farmers value the green lacewing as an effective biological control agent.

Variants and Related Words

• Lacewing (n): The general term for insects in the families Chrysopidae (green lacewings) and Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings).
  • Both green and brown lacewings are beneficial to gardens.
• Chrysopidae (n): The scientific family name for green lacewings.

Synonyms

• Stink fly (n): An informal name referencing the unpleasant smell.
• Aphid lion (n): A common name for the predatory larval stage of the green lacewing.

Related Phrases

• Lacewing larvae (n): The immature, carnivorous stage of the insect.
  • The lacewing larvae are voracious eaters of soft-bodied pests.

Noun

1. pale green unpleasant-smelling lacewing fly having carnivorous larvae