Ceraeochrysa

Adams, 1982

trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings

Ceraeochrysa is a of in the , established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. are known as 'trash ' that construct packets of debris for , including , lichen, and material. The genus contains important agents that on , , , , and lepidopteran .

Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ceraeochrysa by (c) Arturo Santos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Arturo Santos. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ceraeochrysa cubana by (c) Arturo Santos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Arturo Santos. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceraeochrysa: /ˌsɛri.oʊˈkrɪsə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Many have red or marks on the and one or two stripes on the . Distinguished from the related Chrysopa by differences in structure, particularly the male genitalia. Some species possess swollen and darkened branches of the cubital in the .

Images

Habitat

Occurs in agroecosystems, agricultural , and natural vegetation across the Americas. Found on plants infested with -producing such as , , and .

Distribution

Widespread in the Americas from southeastern Canada to Argentina. Greatest in the Neotropics, particularly Brazil and Rica. Fifteen recorded in Mexico.

Diet

are voracious . Documented includes (Nipaecoccus nipae, ), , , , and and larvae of lepidopterans including and Ephestia kuehniella. feed on -provided food and .

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larval development duration varies with : approximately 25–26 days when fed lepidopteran eggs, 34–36 days when fed larvae or mixed diets. Larval survival rates range from 82–100% depending on food source. construction incorporates collected debris from the larval packet.

Behavior

construct packets of debris ('trash carrying') using to scoop and place materials onto hooked hairs on the back; packet materials include lichen, , wood fragments, remains, , and . Ceraeochrysa claveri has been observed actively placing live onto its dorsal packet, potentially facilitating mealybug via . Larvae demonstrate : immatures can learn to associate volatile cues such as methyl salicylate with food presence or absence, and use these learned associations during foraging. When encountering mealybug (defensive fluid from ), larvae exhibit distressed reactions and wipe mouthparts on substrate. Third larvae show greater consumption and reduced search/manipulation time on mobile prey ( larvae) compared to prey ().

Ecological Role

Important agents in agricultural systems. on multiple contributes to natural and of , , , , and lepidopteran pests. High genetic diversity and among may facilitate to varied agroecosystem conditions.

Human Relevance

Widely used and studied for of agricultural pests. Multiple (C. cincta, C. claveri, C. cubana, C. everes) evaluated for control of , , and other pests. Demonstrated compatibility with , supporting strategies. Susceptibility to some and biopesticides (, pyriproxyfen) documented, requiring careful management in combined control programs.

Similar Taxa

ChrysopaDifferentiated by structure; Ceraeochrysa established based on distinct male genital . Chrysopa also carry trash but Ceraeochrysa shows more specialized use of .
ChrysoperlaBoth are used in ; Chrysoperla externa has been compared directly with Ceraeochrysa cubana in susceptibility studies. Chrysoperla lacks the pronounced trash-carrying and pronotal markings characteristic of many Ceraeochrysa .