Today's photo is a green lacewing fly (Chrysoperla rufilabris). It is considered a beneficial insect in the garden as the larvae (also commonly called aphid lions or aphid wolves) feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The adults, like the one above, feed on nectar and pollen. It is estimated that one lacewing will devour 200 aphids a week.
If you are interested in photographing lacewings, watch for them in your garden at dusk. According to Mother Earth News, adult lacewings are attracted to the scent of aphid honeydew and caterpillar frass and seek them out in the evening.
The above photo has been edited to represent the natural color of the green lacewing fly. The image below was created when I tried to soften the light from the flash with my hand, which caused the lacewing to pick up color from the flowers. While it created a beautiful image, the colors were not realistic.
If you are interested in photographing lacewings, watch for them in your garden at dusk. According to Mother Earth News, adult lacewings are attracted to the scent of aphid honeydew and caterpillar frass and seek them out in the evening.
The above photo has been edited to represent the natural color of the green lacewing fly. The image below was created when I tried to soften the light from the flash with my hand, which caused the lacewing to pick up color from the flowers. While it created a beautiful image, the colors were not realistic.
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