I was quite surprised to see three green lacewings (family Chrysopidae) one night recently in the kitchen window. These small nocturnal insects are one of my favorites and we often see them in the backyard during the summer. However, I’ve never seen them in January before.
After doing some research, I’ve learned that lacewing adults can survive the winter in protected places. The temperature was 70 degrees when I saw them – unseasonably warm for this time of year. Now our temperatures are more typical for January, with highs in the mid 30’s and lows in the mid 20’s. I’d like to think the lacewings have found a protected place for the winter and will be back at the window this spring.
Proof that the weather is really changing. Should we be scared? Does this mean that the ”bad bugs” which should normally be killed off during winter will proliferate instead? Am I a pessimist?
Louise, in the case of the lacewings I think some of them being able to survive the winter is not a new thing, and it was the unusual warm weather that brought them out of hiding. I understand and appreciate you sharing your concern about our climate. Sorry to say, I don’t have any easy answers. So much about nature we don’t know and can’t understand. I’m trying to be realistic about the possibilities, do what I can, and appreciate the wonders that every day brings.
Thank you for your wisdom Betty!
Louise, to the degree I have any wisdom I think it comes from trying to remember the serenity prayer – changing what I can and accepting what I can’t.
Betty, that is a beautiful picture. Sara
Thanks, Sara. I think they are a beautiful insect.
I love the delicate little lacewings. I hope they are snuggled back into their winter hiding spots now.
I hope so, too, Judy. I’m now convinced they aren’t nearly as delicate as they look.
Always glad to see your pictures and read your comments.
Thanks, Evelyn. It’s nice to know they are folks out there, like you, that enjoy some of the same things I do.
Hope they’re snug as the bugs they are somewhere close to home!
Snug as bugs in ……..my backyard water maple? I hope so, too. Thanks, Keli.
As often happens, the wonderful offerings of your blog convince
me that I just thought that I was a child of the out-of-doors when I was growing up. There is a universe of wonders that must have been there right under my nose that I somehow missed seeing. Thank you for once again opening my eyes to the miraculously beautiful fabric of our world.
Thanks, Beth. As adults we may see things that we missed as children, however, children often see things we don’t. I’m not sure there’s any way not to miss a lot of what’s right under our noses? The more I look, the more I see, and I expect (and hope) that will always be the case.