Ichneumon wasps

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Ichneumonidae

The ichneumon wasps (ichneumon wasps in the narrower sense) are the most species-rich insect family in our country with around 22,000 described species. However, it is estimated that at least 60,000-1000,000 species exist worldwide! Most species occur in the warmer zones of the earth. There are 5700 species in Europe and 2000 species in the British Isles. The imagines are relatively large animals (usually around 5 mm). Some groups, including the best-known representative Rhyssa, can even reach a body length of 5 cm. The wings are typically equipped with a rich wing vein, but there are also a number of apterous (wingless) species.

Lacewings, golden eyes

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Family Chrysopidae

Lacewings are very useful insects. Their larvae prefer to eat aphids and mites. The long body and wing veins of lacewings are usually yellowish or greenish. The eyes are protruding and have a strong metallic glow (lacewings are also often called golden eyes) and they occasionally stray into human dwellings at night, but usually sit in one place and disappear outside again at dawn. They pose no danger whatsoever.