Transluscent cocoon of a green lacewing pupa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) attached to a pine needle. One component of the cocoon is made from minute threads of protein-rich silk woven together to form the outer structure. An inner layer of lipid material helps prevent the pupa from drying out. The adult chewed a circle around the upper part of the cocoon, pushed up the resulting lid, and climbed out. This cocoon is about 3 mm long. Adult and larval lacewings are important predators on a variety of pests such as aphids; the immatures are sometimes referred to as aphidlions, and look like miniature alligators.

Transluscent cocoon of a green lacewing pupa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) attached to a pine needle. One component of the cocoon is made from minute threads of protein-rich silk woven together to form the outer structure. An inner layer of lipid material helps prevent the pupa from drying out. The adult chewed a circle around the upper part of the cocoon, pushed up the resulting lid, and climbed out. This cocoon is about 3 mm long. Adult and larval lacewings are important predators on a variety of pests such as aphids; the immatures are sometimes referred to as aphidlions, and look like miniature alligators.