The aphid eaters

The larvae of a green lacewing (Neuroptera) are voracious predators. Often, they go after prey twice their size. On salt marsh, these little fierce creatures with outsized scythe like jaws are common on the marsh elder (Iva frutescens).



 

The green lacewing larvae run busily up and down the branches inspecting the leaves for aphids. When found, an aphid is grabbed forcefully without hesitation and no resistance.

For the night, they appear to produce a cocoon of sorts, where the whole body is hidden head first making it difficult to extricate those long jaws.