X-marked Green Lacewing
Chrysopa chi
This record describes Chrysopa chi (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults Wing venation separates Chrysopa from similar Chrysoperla . C. chi has an X-shaped mark between the antennal bases, two spots on top of head, and pronotum with 3 pairs of dark spots. Larvae The head capsule is marked with 3 spots, much like C. nigricornis and C. oculata . Within the eastern extent of its range, C. chi is separated from other members of the genus by the darkened set of lateral tubercles on the thorax and entirely pale abdominal tubercles. In C. nigricornis , the abdominal tubercles are tinged with red. Additionally, C. chi has no lateral tubercles on the first abdominal segment, as opposed to small lateral tubercles in C. nigricornis .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Chrysopini
- Genus
- Chrysopa (Stink Lacewings)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across Canada and n. US south to TN
Seasonal Activity
An 'early' species: adults fly probably in April or May ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysopa chi Fitch 1855
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysopa chi. 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 X-marked Green Lacewing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About X-marked Green Lacewing
What is X-marked Green Lacewing?
X-marked Green Lacewing (Chrysopa chi) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify X-marked Green Lacewing?
Adults Wing venation separates Chrysopa from similar Chrysoperla . C. chi has an X-shaped mark between the antennal bases, two spots on top of head, and pronotum with 3 pairs of dark spots. Larvae The head capsule is marked with 3 spots, much like C. nigricornis and C. oculata . Within the eastern extent of its range, C. chi is separated from other members of the genus by the darkened set of lateral tubercles on the thorax and entirely pale abdominal tubercles. In C. nigricornis , the abdominal tubercles are tinged with red. Additionally, C. chi has no lateral tubercles on the first abdominal segment, as opposed to small lateral tubercles in C. nigricornis .
Where is X-marked Green Lacewing found?
Range: across Canada and n. US south to TN
When is X-marked Green Lacewing active?
X-marked Green Lacewing: seasonal activity - An 'early' species: adults fly probably in April or May ( 3 ).