Chrysopa coloradensis
This record describes Chrysopa coloradensis (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
C. coloradensis is distinctive in the broad red stripes extending from behind the eyes down the length of the thorax. The face is marked with a black loop under the base of each antenna, and the genae have a broad black stripe.
Wikipedia reference for Chrysopa coloradensis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopa_coloradensis.
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
Canada: BC, according to iNaturalist also in AB, SK: Map . U.S.: AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysopa coloradensis Banks 1895
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysopa coloradensis. 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 Chrysopa coloradensis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopa coloradensis
What is Chrysopa coloradensis?
Chrysopa coloradensis is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Chrysopa coloradensis?
C. coloradensis is distinctive in the broad red stripes extending from behind the eyes down the length of the thorax. The face is marked with a black loop under the base of each antenna, and the genae have a broad black stripe.
Where is Chrysopa coloradensis found?
Range: Canada: BC, according to iNaturalist also in AB, SK: Map . U.S.: AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA .