Smith's Green Lacewing
Ceraeochrysa smithi
This record describes Ceraeochrysa smithi (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separated from other members of the genus by the entirely red dorsal surface of the scapes, extending onto the vertex as triangular marks. Like many of our other species in the genus ( C. cubana , C. cincta , & C. valida ), the sides of the pronotum have red stripes. Unlike those other species, the bases of the antennae are black (as in C. lineaticornis ). Many of the currently unidentified eggs deposited in spirals may represent this species, though green lacewing eggs currently are not known well enough for positive identifications to be possible apart from rearing them.
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
widespread Neotropics, newly reported our area and expanding in range:
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs are characteristically laid in a spiral pattern with droplets of an oily, ant-repelling fluid on the stalks.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ceraeochrysa smithi (Navás, 1914)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ceraeochrysa smithi. 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 Smith's Green Lacewing (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Smith's Green Lacewing
What is Smith's Green Lacewing?
Smith's Green Lacewing (Ceraeochrysa smithi) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Smith's Green Lacewing?
Separated from other members of the genus by the entirely red dorsal surface of the scapes, extending onto the vertex as triangular marks. Like many of our other species in the genus ( C. cubana , C. cincta , & C. valida ), the sides of the pronotum have red stripes. Unlike those other species, the bases of the antennae are black (as in C. lineaticornis ).
Where is Smith's Green Lacewing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Range | widespread Neotropics, newly reported our area and expanding in |
| Range |
What is the life cycle of a Smith's Green Lacewing?
Eggs are characteristically laid in a spiral pattern with droplets of an oily, ant-repelling fluid on the stalks.