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University of California Cooperative Extension Ventura County
669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805.645.1451
Fax: 805.645.1474
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The office will be closed for the following holidays:
March 29 – Ceaser Chavez Day
May 27 – Memorial Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
July 4 - Independence Day
Lacewing
What you found is aphidlion. It is probably looking for food on your birdcage. This is the larval stage of a lacewing. Both the adult lacewing and the larvae (aphidlion) feed on aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and other small insects. Hence, they are considered beneficial. The aphidlion has a pair of very sharp, curved mandibles with which it grasps and holds its prey. These can be used to pinch your skin if you happen to get one on you while working in the garden. The bite is not toxic to my knowledge, and there is no residual effect. So, put the aphidlion on your rosebush or lantana to help control whiteflies, and other unwanted pests.