NeuropteraChrysopidae – Green Lacewings

Chrysopa excepta

This record describes Chrysopa excepta (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.

Identification and Appearance

Chrysopa excepta - Chrysopa excepta
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green

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

Western US, southwestern Canada.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Chrysopa excepta Banks, 1911

About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysopa excepta. 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.

Explore Neuroptera families and species →

Photos of Chrysopa excepta (5)

Chrysopa excepta - photo 1
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Chrysopa excepta - photo 2
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Chrysopa excepta - photo 3
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Chrysopa excepta - photo 4
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Chrysopa excepta - photo 5
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green

Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.