Dead Leaf Lacewing

This little Dead Leaf Lacewing is a member of the Neuropteran Family Hemerobiidae. These have an interesting behavior not seen in the more commonly known Lacewings. It drops its head and thorax down flat against the base of the wings, making it look headless and more leaf-like. It does this at rest and when frightened or disturbed (pictures 1-3). When the head is extended, it then looks more like a Lacewing (pictures 4-6). These are predatory in both larval and adult stages, especially on aphids. This species is small, at 6 mm in length.