Nineta flava, one of the fourteen Green Lacewings in the UK, is regarded as a woodland species, although it has been recorded in parks and gardens in association with oak (its preferred species of tree). The adult lacewing may be observed on vegetation with its wings held like a tent over its body; if disturbed it produces an obnoxious smell to deter would-be predators!
Even though adults may be found from May to October, Nineta flava still only has one life cycle in a year.
Following the emergence of the first adults in the spring, eggs may be seen in June on a stalk of hardened mucus suspended from leaves and stems of vegetation: this is to prevent any newly hatched larvae from being cannibalistic! After hatching, these predatory larvae use their large, curved jaws (mandibles) to grab and feed on aphids, leafhoppers, and small larvae of other insect species. When the larvae outgrow their outer exoskeleton, it will be shed – and this moulting process will occur three or four times before they finally form a loosely woven silk cocoon in which to pupate and overwinter. They emerge as adults the following year, but instead of being predatory like its larvae, the adults feed on nectar, pollen and honeydew.
