Insect / Neuroptera / Lacewing

The Giant lacewing, Osmylus fulvicephalus, found at Staplefield, Middlesex, England in1919.

The Giant lacewing, Osmylus fulvicephalus, may be seen flying low over woodland streams on summer evenings. Despite having a wingspan of about 50mm, Osmylus is a weak flyer.

Unlike many moths where the female produces a pheromone to attract mates, it is the male lacewing that emits a far-reaching scent to attract females. Adult lacewings also produce foul-smelling compounds (likened to that of animal faeces!) that appear to be repellent to potentially important predators like bats.

After mating, the female lays eggs in the vegetation alongside the water. The hatched larvae prey on small invertebrates, grasping the prey with hooked appendages at the end of the abdomen before impaling it with elongated, lance-like jaws.

Image of a Giant lacewing Bi1973.2.32168