When attacking prey, the larva lunges forward, impaling the aphid. Enzymes are injected through the hollow jaws. After the prey's body contents are digested, they are sucked back through the jaws by the lacewing larva. The long tail section is used as a stabilizing brace when the larva is attacking prey. There are 2-4 generations per year.
Brown lacewings are somewhat smaller than green lacewings.
Adult brown lacewings are predatory. Although many species are more common in low-growing vegetation than in tree canopies, adults are common in apple trees in our area. Brown lacewings often have a lower developmental threshold temperature than their aphid prey, making them useful early in the season. Adults fly earlier in the evening than green lacewings. Females start to lay eggs when 3-7 days old.