Chrysopidae
Guides
Abachrysa eureka
Eureka Green Lacewing
Abachrysa eureka is a species of green lacewing and the sole member of the genus Abachrysa. It belongs to the family Chrysopidae, a group of predatory insects valued for their role in biological control. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1931 under the name Chrysopa eureka before being transferred to the monotypic genus Abachrysa.
Apertochrysa
Apertochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, comprising 183 described species. The genus has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, having been previously classified under the names Navasius, Dichochrysa, and Pseudomallada before being synonymized under Apertochrysa in 2021. It is a subcosmopolitan genus with the majority of species distributed in the Palearctic region, particularly Asia and Africa. Species in this genus are predators of soft-bodied insects and some exhibit debris-carrying behavior as larvae.
Apertochrysa sierra
Apertochrysa sierra is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The species is known from the western United States and Baja California, Mexico. As a member of the Chrysopidae, it belongs to a family of predatory insects commonly recognized by their delicate, net-veined wings and often green coloration. Available records for this species are limited, with few documented observations.
Belonopterygini
Ant-loving Lacewings
Belonopterygini is a tribe of green lacewings within the family Chrysopidae, commonly known as Ant-loving Lacewings. Members of this tribe exhibit myrmecophilous associations, with larvae living in arboreal ant nests. Larvae possess distinctive morphological adaptations that appear to defend them against ant aggression. The tribe includes at least the genus Italochrysa, with species documented from Australia and Europe.
Ceraeochrysa
trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings
Ceraeochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct genitalia structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 species distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage, including insect wax, lichen, and plant material. The genus contains important biological control agents that prey on mealybugs, aphids, mites, thrips, and lepidopteran eggs.
Ceraeochrysa cincta
Ceraeochrysa cincta is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, distributed across the Americas from North America through the Caribbean to South America. Laboratory studies demonstrate its potential as a biological control agent, with larvae showing instar-specific predatory preferences on prey eggs. Populations in southeast Brazilian agroecosystems exhibit high genetic diversity with broad gene flow across different crop systems. The species produces non-pedunculated infertile eggs in later generations under laboratory conditions, a trait relevant to mass rearing programs.
Ceraeochrysa claveri
trash bug (larval stage)
A green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, Ceraeochrysa claveri is a polyphagous predator with established value in biological control of agricultural pests. Larvae are "trash carriers" that construct dorsal camouflage packets using assorted materials including lichen, plant trichomes, and notably the wax of mealybugs and other insects. The species has been documented incorporating live mealybug nymphs into these packets, representing the first recorded instance of active placement of live prey onto the larval packet. Adults feed on pollen and may contribute to pollination. The species shows high genetic diversity across agroecosystems and is compatible with certain biopesticides including Bacillus thuringiensis serovar aizawai.
Ceraeochrysa cubana
green lacewing
Ceraeochrysa cubana is a green lacewing species widely distributed across the Americas, from the Caribbean and Middle America through South America. Larvae are voracious polyphagous predators important for biological control of agricultural pests. The species exhibits high genetic diversity in agroecosystems and shows associative learning capabilities in immature stages.
Ceraeochrysa smithi
Smith's Green Lacewing
Ceraeochrysa smithi is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the genus Ceraeochrysa, it belongs to a group known for larvae that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage. The species was first described by Navás in 1914.
Ceraeochrysa valida
Ceraeochrysa valida is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae. Like other Ceraeochrysa species, its larvae are predatory and construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage. The species has been documented as a predator of Diaphorina citri nymphs, the Asian citrus psyllid, a significant agricultural pest. Adults are likely green lacewings with delicate, net-veined wings typical of the family.
Chrysopa nigricornis
Black-horned Green Lacewing
Chrysopa nigricornis, commonly known as the Black-horned Green Lacewing, is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species exhibits a facultative larval diapause during the third instar within its cocoon, induced by short-day photoperiods acting on the first three free-living larval stages. As both larvae and adults, it is predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insects such as aphids.
Chrysopa pleuralis
green lacewing
Chrysopa pleuralis is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, described by Banks in 1911. It belongs to a genus of predatory insects whose larvae are known as "aphid lions" for their voracious consumption of soft-bodied prey. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Chrysoperla comanche
Comanche Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla comanche is a green lacewing species native to northern Mexico and the southern United States, with records extending to Canada, Chile, and Hawaii. It has been evaluated for commercial insectary production due to its non-diapausing behavior in California's San Joaquin Valley, where adults remain green and continue egg deposition through winter months. The species is a generalist predator of soft-bodied arthropods, with documented prey including aphids, leafhoppers, psyllids, whiteflies, thrips, and cochineal insects. It has shown particular promise for biological control in vineyard ecosystems, where it was the most commonly encountered lacewing species in post-release surveys. Development occurs optimally around 29.7°C, with lower temperature threshold near 10°C.
Chrysoperla downesi
Chrysoperla downesi is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Smith in 1932. Like other members of the genus Chrysoperla, it is a predatory insect whose larvae feed on soft-bodied arthropod pests. The species is part of the taxonomically complex Chrysoperla carnea-group, in which species are often difficult to distinguish by morphology alone and may require acoustic or molecular methods for identification. It is native to North America and has been documented in museum collections.
Chrysoperla rufilabris
Red-lipped Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla rufilabris, the red-lipped green lacewing, is a predatory insect in the family Chrysopidae native to eastern North America. Larvae are voracious predators of soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, and are widely used as biological control agents in agricultural and ornamental systems. Adults are primarily nocturnal and are commonly attracted to artificial lights. The species has been extensively studied for its potential in integrated pest management, with research demonstrating its effectiveness against diverse prey including aphids, scale insects, and lepidopteran eggs.
Chrysopini
green lacewings
Chrysopini is a tribe of green lacewings within the family Chrysopidae, comprising approximately 17-32 genera and 300-926 described species. Members are recognized by their delicate, net-veined wings and often green or yellow-green bodies. The tribe represents one of the most species-rich and commonly encountered groups of lacewings in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Chrysopodes collaris
Chrysopodes collaris is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It occurs across the Americas from North America through the Caribbean to South America. As a member of the Chrysopodes genus, it belongs to a group of lacewings distinguished by specific morphological characteristics within the family.
Eremochrysa minora
Eremochrysa minora is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1935. It was originally placed in the genus Chrysopiella but is now classified under Eremochrysa. The species is known from North America. Like other green lacewings, it belongs to a group of predatory insects valued for their role in biological control.
Eremochrysa pallida
Eremochrysa pallida is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1911. It is native to the western United States. Like other members of its family, it is a predatory insect, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been historically classified under the genus Chrysopiella before its current placement in Eremochrysa.
Leucochrysa
green lacewings
Leucochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, containing approximately 196 described species as of 2013. The genus is restricted to the Americas and is characterized by distinctive larval behaviors including trash-carrying and defensive conglobulation. Adults exhibit color polymorphism, and some species deposit eggs in clusters. Larvae of at least some species are known to carry debris on their backs for camouflage and protection.
Leucochrysa americana
American Lacewing
Leucochrysa americana is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1897. The genus Leucochrysa is distinguished from other chrysopids by its white markings rather than the red or yellow markings common in related genera. Larvae in this genus are known for carrying debris and other materials on their backs as camouflage, a behavior that has been documented in the related species Leucochrysa pavida. The species occurs in North and Middle America.
Leucochrysa floridana
Florida Lacewing
Leucochrysa floridana is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The genus Leucochrysa belongs to the subgenus Nodita, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. Adults are predatory insects commonly found in various habitats across the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Larvae of related species in this genus are known for carrying debris on their backs as camouflage.
Leucochrysa insularis
green lacewing
Leucochrysa insularis is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The species is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. It belongs to a family commonly known for their delicate appearance and predatory habits as both larvae and adults. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1853.
Leucochrysa pavida
Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing
Leucochrysa pavida is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, distributed across North America, Central America, and South America. Its larvae are notable for carrying lichen and other debris as camouflage, a behavior that distinguishes them from many other chrysopid larvae. The species was first described by Hagen in 1861 and has been studied for its distinctive defensive behaviors.
Meleoma emuncta
Meleoma emuncta is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, originally described by Fitch in 1855 as Chrysopa emuncta. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Meleoma, a group of lacewings characterized by distinctive wing venation patterns. The species occurs in North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Like other chrysopids, adults are likely predatory or nectar-feeding, but specific ecological roles have not been well documented.
Meleoma hageni
Meleoma hageni is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1949. The genus Meleoma is a small, distinctive group within the Chrysopidae, characterized by reduced wing venation and other specialized morphological features that separate it from the more common green lacewings of the genus Chrysoperla. Species in this genus are poorly known compared to their economically important relatives, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Meleoma signoretti
Meleoma signoretti is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It belongs to a genus distinguished by modified, often pectinate or clubbed male antennae. The species is part of a diverse group of predatory insects commonly known as lacewings. Limited published information exists on its specific biology.
Nacarina robusta
Nacarina robusta is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, order Neuroptera. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1905 as Chrysopa robusta and later transferred to the genus Nacarina. It is known from North America. The genus Nacarina was established to accommodate species previously placed in Chrysopa that share distinct morphological characteristics. Like other chrysopids, this species is predatory in both larval and adult stages.
Nineta
Nineta lacewings
Nineta is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, tribe Chrysopini, erected by Longinos Navás in 1912. Species occur across Europe, eastern Asia, and North America. Research on Nineta species has contributed significant findings on photoperiodic sensitivity in insects, particularly regarding diapause induction and seasonal adaptation in larval development.
Nothochrysa
black lacewings
Nothochrysa is a genus of green lacewings (family Chrysopidae) comprising approximately 10 described species. Members are commonly known as black lacewings due to their brown coloration, distinguishing them from the typically green Chrysopidae. The genus includes both extant and extinct species, with fossil representatives known from the Cenozoic. Nothochrysa capitata serves as the primary reference species for genomic studies within the genus.
Nothochrysa californica
San Francisco lacewing
Nothochrysa californica, commonly known as the San Francisco lacewing, is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is native to North America and was first described by Nathan Banks in 1892. The species is part of a genus of large lacewings distinguished from typical green lacewings (Chrysoperla) by morphological features.
Perilampus chrysopae
Perilampus chrysopae is a species of hyperparasitic wasp in the family Perilampidae, described by Crawford in 1914. The species name 'chrysopae' indicates an association with lacewings (Chrysopidae), which serve as hosts. Like other perilampids, it exhibits a complex life cycle involving broadcast egg-laying and mobile planidium larvae that actively seek hosts. The species is documented from multiple provinces across Canada.
Pimachrysa
Pimachrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1957. The genus is relatively small and poorly documented in published literature. As members of Chrysopidae, these insects possess the characteristic delicate, net-veined wings and predatory larval habits typical of the family. The genus appears to be rarely encountered, with limited observational records.
Pimachrysa albicostales
Pimachrysa albicostales is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, described by Adams in 1967. It belongs to the genus Pimachrysa, which is distributed in the Americas. As with other chrysopids, adults are likely predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pimachrysa fusca
Pimachrysa fusca is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, described by Adams in 1967. It belongs to the order Neuroptera, a group of insects commonly known as lacewings, antlions, and allies. The genus Pimachrysa is part of a diverse family of predatory insects whose larvae are often important biological control agents. This species has been documented in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Yumachrysa apache
Apache Lacewing
Yumachrysa apache is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1938. Originally placed in the genus Chrysopa, it was later transferred to Yumachrysa. The species is known from North America, with 136 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other green lacewings, it belongs to a group of predatory insects commonly used in biological pest control.
Yumachrysa unidentified-sp-texas
Yumachrysa unidentified-sp-texas is an undescribed or poorly documented species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, subfamily Nothochrysinae. It represents a taxon recognized from specimens collected in Texas that has not been formally described in the scientific literature. Members of the genus Yumachrysa are relatively uncommon and understudied compared to other chrysopid genera. This taxon is distinguished from described Yumachrysa species by subtle morphological differences, though formal diagnostic characters remain unpublished.