Coniopteryx

Adults identified by the distinctive powdery white wax coating covering body and wings. Larvae recognized by small size, alligator-like body shape, and presence on leaf undersurfaces and bark during winter. Distinguished from other lacewing families by reduced wing venation and waxy covering. Distinguished from other Coniopterygidae genera by specific wing characteristics not detailed in available sources.

Occurs on undersides of leaves, bark of trees, and fruit. Active in winter conditions when temperatures are mild enough for movement.

Cosmopolitan distribution. Documented from Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE) in distribution records.

Active during winter months, including January in the mid-Atlantic region. Larvae and adults forage on warmish winter days when most other insects are dormant.

Larvae and adults are predators of very small soft-bodied arthropods. Documented prey includes spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies, and other small soft-bodied arthropods. Specifically noted as common predators of spider mites attacking boxwoods, and important predators of citrus pests including spider mites, scales, and whiteflies in Florida and California.

• Boxwood - habitat/prey sourceSpider mites on boxwoods are common prey
• Citrus - habitat/prey sourceImportant predators of citrus pests in Florida and California

Eggs not described in available sources. Larvae develop by feeding on small arthropod prey, using short sucking tube mouthparts to remove body fluids. Upon completing development, larvae spin silken cocoons on leaf undersurfaces or other plant parts using silk exuded from the anus, with abdominal movements in a circular pattern taking several hours. Pupation lasts approximately one week before adult emergence. Adults then seek food and mates.

Larvae actively hunt across leaf undersurfaces, bark, and fruit even in winter conditions. Larvae spin silk by moving the abdomen tip back and forth in a circular dance to form the pupal cocoon. Adults disperse to find food and mates after emergence.

Predator of pest arthropods, particularly spider mites, scales, and whiteflies. Provides biological control of agricultural and ornamental pests during winter when most other predators are inactive.

Used in sustainable pest management strategies. Valued by arborists and green industry professionals for winter biological control of landscape pests, particularly spider mites on boxwoods and citrus pests in commercial production.

• Semidalis flintiAnother dusty-wing in Coniopterygidae; distinguished by specific cuticular wax pore characteristics and waxy particle morphology
• Other lacewing families (Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae)Lack the powdery white wax covering; have more complex wing venation; typically active in warmer seasons rather than winter

• Neuroptera
• dusty-wing
• winter-active
• predator
• biological control
• wax-covered
• mite predator

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Tiny hibernal hunters: Dusty-wings, Coniopterigidae — Bug of the Week