They are most frequently found feeding among aphid colonies, but many also consume mites, scales, mealybugs, whiteflies, small caterpillars and beetle grubs, and all types of insect eggs. Like lady beetles, lacewings are often found associated with aphid colonies. However, unlike lady beetles, the adults sometimes do not feed on insects, with the larva being the beneficial stage. The large sickle-shaped mouthparts apparent in the larval stage are very effective for clamping onto prey and draining their body contents. The eggs of lacewings are placed on long thin stalks, and placed in clusters.
Lacewings feed on insect eggs, scales, mealybugs, and mites as well as aphids.
As the name suggests, they often are found hovering about, or feeding on, flowers. The larvae are maggot-like in appearance, with a thick body that tapers to a pointed head. They are yellowish, reddish, or greenish in color. A typical flower fly, adult stage. A flower fly larva feeding on an aphid.