Adult green lacewing
(Chrysoperla spp.)

Green lacewings are not only beautiful insects, they are great “friends” to have in our yards, gardens, and farms. In their immature stage (larvae), they are voracious predators, eating pest insects like aphids. Adults of some species are also predators. In this pattern you’ll make just two wings, but these insects actually have four wings, folded and held like a “tent” over their bodies.

Learn more about green lacewings: https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outre...

Materials:

• Set of 4, ~2.75 mm (US 2) double-pointed knitting needles
• Bright green yarn for head and body; I used a sport or DK weight. If you use something thicker, maybe adjust the pattern, as the gauge will be off.
• Fiber fill or yarn scraps of similar or lighter color to stuff your insect.
• Tapestry needle for assembly
• Rusty red yarn probably in DK or worsted weight for eyes
• Very fine (lace weight?) green yarn for wings
• Green florist wire
• Size 0 crochet hook
• One 12-inch long pipe cleaner, preferably in light green or tan
• Light or bring green yarn in worsted weight for the legs; it will be difficult to cover the pipe cleaner if you use a thinner yarn.