Leucochrysa

McLachlan, 1868

green lacewings

Species Guides

7

Leucochrysa is a of green lacewings in the Chrysopidae, containing approximately 196 described as of 2013. The genus is restricted to the Americas and is characterized by distinctive larval including trash-carrying and defensive conglobulation. exhibit color , and some species deposit in clusters. Larvae of at least some species are known to carry debris on their backs for camouflage and protection.

Leucochrysa pavida by (c) Shannon Foreman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shannon Foreman. Used under a CC-BY license.Leucochrysa by (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay. Used under a CC-BY license.Leucochrysa insularis imported from iNaturalist photo 172950663 on 27 February 2022 by (c) Whitney Mattila, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leucochrysa: //ˌluːkoʊˈkrɪsə//

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Images

Distribution

The Americas, from North America through Central and South America. Specific records include Vermont, USA.

Life Cycle

Larvae of at least some carry trash or debris on their backs for camouflage and protection. Larvae of Leucochrysa (Nodita) pavida have been observed to coil into a sphere as a defensive (conglobulation).

Behavior

Larvae are known for trash-carrying , where they attach debris to their backs for camouflage. At least one , Leucochrysa (Nodita) pavida, exhibits defensive conglobulation—coiling into a sphere when threatened.

Similar Taxa

  • ChrysoperlaBoth are of green lacewings in Chrysopidae; Leucochrysa is distinguished by trash-carrying larval and American distribution versus the more globally distributed Chrysoperla
  • Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) "varia-like" species groupL. nigrilabris and L. insularis share color and some larval with this group, but differ significantly in genitalia structure

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Sources and further reading