Stripe-horned Green Lacewing
Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis
This record describes Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognizable as a Ceraeochrysa by the unmarked genae , longer antennae, narrow wings, and lack of a dark spot in the pterostigma . C. lineaticornis is further denoted by the darker bases of the antennae, (usually!) black-striped scapes, pale head, and largely unmarked body. Variation: Some specimens (formerly designated as columbiana ) have entirely green scapes, lacking the usual black stripe. These specimens further approach the coloration of Chrysopa nigricornis . Other specimens may have narrow stripes down the sides of the prothorax. These specimens further approach the coloration of Leucochrysa pavida .
Wikipedia reference for Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceraeochrysa_lineaticornis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Chrysopini
- Genus
- Ceraeochrysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern (QC to FL & TX) & BC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae carry a debris packet of plant trichomes.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis (Fitch, 1855)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Neuroptera (lacewings, antlions, owlflies) includes ~6,000 described species. Green lacewing larvae are called 'aphid lions' - a single larva can consume up to 200 aphids per week.
Ecological role of the group
Antlion larvae build conical pit traps in sandy soil - an engineering feat studied by physicists for insights into granular mechanics. Adult lacewings are important pollinators of night-blooming flowers.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lacewings are commercially reared and sold as biological pest control agents. The global biological pest control market, which heavily features lacewings, was valued at $6.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $16.4 billion by 2033.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA IPM, biological control market research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Stripe-horned Green Lacewing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Stripe-horned Green Lacewing
What is Stripe-horned Green Lacewing?
Stripe-horned Green Lacewing (Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Stripe-horned Green Lacewing?
13-15 mm
How do you identify Stripe-horned Green Lacewing?
Recognizable as a Ceraeochrysa by the unmarked genae , longer antennae, narrow wings, and lack of a dark spot in the pterostigma . C. lineaticornis is further denoted by the darker bases of the antennae, (usually!) black-striped scapes, pale head, and largely unmarked body. Variation: Some specimens (formerly designated as columbiana ) have entirely green scapes, lacking the usual black stripe. These specimens further approach the coloration of Chrysopa nigricornis . Other specimens may have narrow stripes down the sides of the prothorax. These specimens further approach the coloration of Leucochrysa pavida .
Where is Stripe-horned Green Lacewing found?
Range: eastern (QC to FL & TX) & BC ( 3 )
What is the life cycle of a Stripe-horned Green Lacewing?
Larvae carry a debris packet of plant trichomes.