Hemerobius

Linnaeus, 1758

brown lacewings

Species Guides

Hemerobius is a of brown lacewings in the Hemerobiidae, distributed across Europe and North America. and larvae are predatory, feeding on small arthropods including aphids, scale insects, and insect . The genus includes that overwinter as adults and are active in early spring. Larvae spin loose, coarse cocoons for , with some species exhibiting extended quiescent periods before .

Hemerobius by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Hemerobius by (c) Lucas Rubio, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lucas Rubio. Used under a CC-BY license.

Hemerobius by (c) Dan MacNeal, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hemerobius: //ˌhɛmɛˈroʊbiəs//

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

Identification

Hemerobius are distinguished from green lacewings (Chrysopidae) by their generally brown, dull coloration rather than bright green. They differ from other brown lacewing by specific wing venation patterns and genitalic structures requiring microscopic examination. of Hemerobius stigma have been noted as identifiable by expert determination.

Images

Habitat

Arboreal environments including orchards and forests; larvae have been observed in bands placed on fruit trees. are frequently attracted to artificial lights at night.

Distribution

Europe and North America; specific records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont, USA.

Seasonality

are active in early spring (March) following winter dormancy; some show adult in autumn with in the adult stage.

Diet

Predatory on acarines (mites), scale insects, psyllids, aphids, , and the of lepidopterans and whiteflies.

Life Cycle

Larvae spin loose, coarse cocoons with visible oil-like globules in the mesh; larvae assume a curved position with bent forward to the and legs folded inward. Some exhibit extended in cocoons from autumn through winter, with occurring in spring.

Behavior

are attracted to artificial lights at night. Larvae construct characteristic loose cocoons for and . Adults of some spend winter in concealed locations and resume activity in early spring.

Ecological Role

Predatory control of soft-bodied pests including aphids, scale insects, and mites in arboreal and agricultural .

Human Relevance

agent for agricultural and orchard pests; larvae have been incidentally collected in pest management bands on fruit trees.

Similar Taxa

Chrysopidae (green lacewings)Bright green coloration in most , versus the brown coloration of Hemerobius; different wing venation patterns.
MicromusAnother of brown lacewings distinguished by wing venation and genitalic ; expert identification often required to separate.
SympherobiusFormerly included now placed in this separate of brown lacewings.

More Details

Cytogenetics

Hemerobius marginatus exhibits B- that are mitotically unstable and show non-disjunction at , influencing segregation through apparent mechanisms in males.

Taxonomic history

The formerly included now placed in Sympherobius and Vieira; Boriomyia has been treated as a synonym of Hemerobius.

Research limitations

Most detailed biological studies focus on single (H. nervosa, H. pacificus, H. marginatus, H. stigma); -level generalizations should be treated cautiously.