Q: I have an insect that nobody can identify: it stings, is very small, light tan in color, pointed tail end, with two feelers in front. I think it comes from the pods of our bottle tree. Can you tell me where I could go to find out about this pest?
A: Your insect is an immature lacewing. They are beneficial predators of things like aphids and not usually regarded as pests. They are often found crawling on trees and shrubs, so it could have come from your bottle tree. They don’t feed on plants so they are not likely from the pods. They are known to bite humans on occasion but their main food is other insects. They don’t have stingers so the pain you felt was from a bite. Because they are mostly beneficial, no management is typically recommended. Here is a link with more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopidae
Peter L. Warren is the forest health program coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed toย tucsongardensage@gmail.com
