Adults are smaller and fragile with large membranous green wings. They can be distinguished by their large, forward projecting mandibles. Lacewing eggs are often found on plants and are easily recognized since they are attached to a long slender filament which holds them above the plant surface. Only the larvae are predaceous. Several species of small parasitic wasps may be seen in fields.
Color also varies, but many are brightly colored.
Wasps are often seen flying in and out of the plant canopy searching for host insects on which to lay eggs. Larvae of parasitic wasps develop within the body of the pest insect, ultimately killing the host. The nymph is gray and wingless. Both adults and numphs have large, bulging eyes. Only the larvae are predacdous and may be found crawling on undersides of leaves.