Green Lacewings
Chrysopidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Neuroptera
- Suborder: Hemerobiiformia
- Family: Chrysopidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chrysopidae: /krɪˈsɒpɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Chrysopidae, commonly known as green lacewings or aphid lions, are delicate insects best known for their role in biological pest control and are characterized by their unique wing structures and predatory larvae.
Physical Characteristics
Green to greenish-brown bodies, translucent wings that may have green veins or a cloudy brownish pattern; adults have a wingspan of 6 to over 65 mm; larvae are alligator-like with large jaws.
Identification Tips
Wings appear hairless, but have short hairs along the edges and veins; adult bodies are bright green with conspicuous golden compound eyes; larvae are slender with long bristles for camouflage.
Habitat
Common in grass, weeds, and on tree/shrub foliage.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan, found in various habitats worldwide.
Diet
Adults may feed on honeydew, pollen, and nectar; larvae are predatory, primarily feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
Life Cycle
Larvae pupate in silken cocoons usually attached to the underside of leaves or stems; eggs are characteristically stalked.
Reproduction
Females lay 100-200 eggs at night, usually where aphids are present, often hanging them on a stalk.
Predators
Parasitoids can be a threat to Chrysopidae at various life stages.
Ecosystem Role
Play a vital role in biological pest control by preying on aphids and other pests.
Economic Impact
Used in biological pest control in agriculture due to their predatory nature on pests such as aphids.
Health Concerns
Larvae may occasionally bite humans but are not known to be harmful.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adult lacewings during their flight periods
- Using light traps to attract nocturnal species
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens in insect boxes
- Ethanol preservation for larvae and eggs
Evolution
Chrysopidae are more closely related to the osmylids; fossils indicate their lineage may date back to the Jurassic.
Similar Taxa
- Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings)
- Dilaridae (pleasing lacewings)
- Osmylidae (osmylids)
Misconceptions
Often confused with brown lacewings; not all species are effective predators due to dietary variations.
Tags
- Chrysopidae
- Green Lacewings
- Biological Control
- Entomology
- Agriculture