This bug fakes its death—and wins

Hey there,

Ever wanted to just lie down, not answer emails, and pretend you don’t exist for a few hours?

The green lacewing gets it.
She’s not lazy—she’s strategic.

When danger’s near, she drops to the ground, curls up, and plays dead. And not just “Netflix and ignore” dead—like full-on corpse cosplay. Legs folded. Body limp. Heart rate slowed. It’s performance art.

Predators take one look and think, gross, old news, and move on.
She lives another day.

And here’s where it gets even juicier:

Some lacewing larvae take it further. They stack the hollowed-out skins of their prey on their backs like trophies. Tiny bug ghosts riding shotgun.
It’s not creepy—it’s camouflage.
A disguise made of everything they’ve overcome.

Stillness isn’t weakness—it’s strategy.

Thoreau once said, “It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

The lacewing opts out of the hustle. When the world gets loud, she goes limp. Literally. A full-body pause that confuses predators and clears the static. She reminds us that rest isn’t retreat. It’s rebellion. Sometimes, the wisest move is no move at all.

Overstimulated? Try this: turn down the overhead lights and turn up the textures. Weighted blankets. Diffused lighting. A quiet corner where nothing is expected of you. Your home doesn’t need to be productive. It needs to be safe.

They don’t mean to move in—they just follow the lights. Green lacewings are drawn to bright, cool-toned bulbs and may wander indoors, especially in late summer.

The good news? They’re harmless and actually helpful—tiny pest control experts in delicate green wings. If you’d prefer they stay outside, use warmer lights, seal window gaps, and gently guide them out with a cup and paper. No sprays needed.

And if someone calls you out for being “too sensitive” or “too much”?
Play dead.
Then rise—sharper, softer, stranger.

P.S. When the lacewing plays dead, she’s conserving energy for the next smart move. If your next smart move involves expanding your team, make it strategic—not stressful:

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Until next week,
Gabi & Bea