Ceraeochrysa

Adams, 1982

trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings

Species Guides

6

Ceraeochrysa is a of green lacewings in the Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct genitalia structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' that construct packets of debris for camouflage, including insect wax, lichen, and plant material. The genus contains important agents that prey on , aphids, mites, , 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 brown marks on the pronotum and one or two stripes on the scape. Distinguished from the related Chrysopa by differences in genitalia structure, particularly the male genitalia. Some species possess swollen and darkened branches of the cubital in the wing.

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Habitat

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

Distribution

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

Diet

Larvae are voracious . Documented prey includes (Nipaecoccus nipae, ), aphids, mites, , and and larvae of lepidopterans including Spodoptera frugiperda and Ephestia kuehniella. feed on plant-provided food and honeydew.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larval development duration varies with prey type: 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. Cocoon construction incorporates collected debris from the larval packet.

Behavior

Larvae construct packets of debris ('trash carrying') using to scoop and place materials onto hooked hairs on the back; packet materials include lichen, plant trichomes, wood fragments, prey remains, spider silk, and insect wax. Ceraeochrysa claveri has been observed actively placing live mealybug nymphs onto its dorsal packet, potentially facilitating mealybug via . Larvae demonstrate associative learning: 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 instar 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 pest contributes to natural and of , aphids, mites, , 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 , fall armyworm, and other crop pests. Demonstrated compatibility with Bacillus thuringiensis , supporting strategies. Susceptibility to some and biopesticides (, pyriproxyfen) documented, requiring careful management in combined control programs.

Similar Taxa

  • ChrysopaDifferentiated by genitalia structure; Ceraeochrysa established based on distinct male genital . Chrysopa larvae also carry trash but Ceraeochrysa shows more specialized use of insect wax.
  • ChrysoperlaBoth are green lacewing 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 .

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