Chrysopa

Leach, 1815

Green lacewings, Stink lacewings

Species Guides

9

Chrysopa is a of green lacewings in the Chrysopidae, first described by William Elford Leach in 1815. Members are common across North America, Europe, and Asia. The genus is closely related to Chrysoperla, with which it shares similar characteristics and has undergone taxonomic revisions. Both genera are important in biological pest control due to their predatory larvae.

Chrysopa oculata by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.Chrysopa nigricornis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Chrysopa by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysopa: /krɪˈsoʊpə/

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

Identification

Chrysopa is distinguished from the closely related Chrysoperla by subtle morphological differences, though have been moved between these genera repeatedly. can be recognized by their green coloration, long filamentous , large transparent wings with dense net-like venation, and often metallic golden . Precise species identification requires examination of wing venation patterns and genitalia.

Images

Habitat

Found in a variety of vegetated including gardens, agricultural fields, and natural vegetation. are often observed on flowering plants.

Distribution

Widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia. Introduced to New Zealand in the 1890s for , but no established successfully.

Diet

Larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids, mites, , soft scales, and other soft-bodied insects. feed on pollen, honeydew, and possibly small prey.

Life Cycle

Development time and survival of stages are influenced by environmental humidity, with higher humidity generally improving survival and reducing development time. is affected by humidity conditions during development. are laid on plant stems.

Behavior

Larvae are voracious , earning the 'aphid lions.' They have been observed engaging in . are active fliers often found on vegetation.

Ecological Role

Important agents. Larvae function as of agricultural pests, particularly aphids. The has been used in deliberate biological control programs.

Human Relevance

Used in biological pest control, with deliberate introductions attempted in New Zealand in the 1890s. Methods have been developed for field distribution of in agricultural settings. Gardeners value them for control.

Similar Taxa

  • ChrysoperlaExtremely similar ; have been repeatedly transferred between these . Distinguished by subtle differences in wing venation and genitalia.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was first described by William Elford Leach in 1815 in Brewster's Edinburgh Encyclopædia. Taxonomic boundaries between Chrysopa and Chrysoperla remain fluid.

Failed introduction

Albert Koebele introduced to New Zealand in the 1890s to combat aphids, but no Chrysopa species established successfully.

Sources and further reading