Golden-eyed is the general name of insects belonging to the order Neuroptera . There are approximately 27 species in Poland. They inhabit forests and woodlots near human settlements. These are very useful insects, because during the growing season their larvae feed on, among others: aphids, spider mites, honey bees and leafroller larvae. It can eat 450 aphids in 2 weeks.
A characteristic feature of these insects is a slender, delicately constructed body, usually green or yellowish in color. The wings are richly veined and transparent. The color of these insects makes them hardly visible in nature, but with the arrival of autumn cold we can see them in our surroundings.
The laburnum is sensitive to frost, so it often flies into buildings in winter. During this period, insects are very clumsy. They willingly inhabit attics, living rooms and basements. Most often confused with moths, they are often killed. It is worth protecting these insects, considering that they do not pose any threat and are not persistent.
Take care before winter
In the future, before winter, it is also worth thinking about building boxes for them in the garden where they can spend the winter. In autumn, we place small boxes outside with holes drilled through them. The interior should be filled with dry leaves (oak, beech) or straw. Painted in red, orange or brown, they attract these insects inside. Up to several hundred lacewings can overwinter in one box.
We hang the boxes at a height of 1.5 – 2 m, preferably on the sunny side (east-west), near the wall of the building, on a tree or between bushes. They should be located in a quiet place and protected from rain and strong wind. You can make a box for lacewings yourself or buy it.
