Lacewings are small, winged insects that originated some 250 million years ago and contain about 6,000 different species. They live in forests and fields and can grow to be up to œ inch long. They have large eyes, long antennae, soft green bodies and strong mandibles used for chewing. They also have 4 wings that are transparent and have a vein-like pattern. Their front wings have auditory organs in the veins which helps them detect predators such as bats. They undergo a complete metamorphosis when after their eggs hatch; the larvae molt 3 to 4 times. Depending on the climate, it can take up to 2 years for the adult lacewing to emerge fully developed from its cocoon. Both the larvae and adults are predators, eating sap sucking insects such as aphids, making them a friend to gardeners.