10/04/2026
The Secret Life Under Leaves 🍃🔎
During a quiet walk through a garden, an unusual and delicate structure on the underside of a kabaranka leaf caught my attention. Curious about this discovery, I collected the leaf and presented it to Dr. Sumudu Ruklani at the Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya. She identified it as lacewing eggs.
Lacewings (family Chrysopidae) are fascinating insects known for their role as natural biological control agents. Their eggs are uniquely laid on slender stalks beneath leaves—an adaptation that protects them from predators and even from their own larvae.
Once hatched, the larvae—often called “aphid lions”—become active predators, feeding on harmful pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. This makes lacewings incredibly valuable in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable agriculture. 🌱
This captivating image was captured and enhanced by Adhithya Rabukwella, bringing out the fine details of this hidden world.
Shehari Rajapakshe
Undergraduate, Microbiology Honours Degree Program
University of Peradeniya
