Chrysopa oculata
This record describes Chrysopa oculata (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults C. oculata can be distinguished from other species by the following combination of characters: the frons has a darkly coloured ring around the lower or lateral margin of the base of the antenna; the antennal bases have reddish markings above are not separated by an x-shaped mark as they are in C. chi ; on the antennae the scape is pale and often with a red ring, the pedicel is dark, and the basal third of the flagellum is pale; the vertex typically has four spots; there are small spots on the pronotum; the lateral groove of the vertex near the eye margin is completely pale without dark streaks as in C. pleuralis . Left to right: C. oculata , C. chi , and C. pleuralis Larvae The head capsule is marked with 3 spots, much like C. chi and C. nigricornis . Within the eastern part of its range, C. oculata can be distinguished fairly readily from other species in the genus by the entirely pale lateral tubercles on the thorax. In both C. chi and C. nigricornis , the third set of thoracic tubercles are darkened. The first abdominal segment lacks tubercles, unlike C. nigricornis . The first set of lateral tubercles on the abdomen, which are on the second segment, are darkened. The following are pale colored and only darkened above. A color photo in
Wikipedia reference for Chrysopa oculata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopa_oculata.
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
Habitat
meadows with low vegetation, trees, fields
Geographic Range
most of NA ; our commonest species of the genus
Seasonal Activity
most abundant in late summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: soft-bodied arthropods; an important predator of spruce gall aphids in the Lake States ( 5 )
Life History
Third instar larvae generally overwinter as cocoons. Female laying eggs:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysopa oculata Say 1839
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysopa oculata. 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 oculata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Lynette Elliott , v belov , marcie oconnor , Marci Hess , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopa oculata
What is Chrysopa oculata?
Chrysopa oculata is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Chrysopa oculata?
Adults C. oculata can be distinguished from other species by the following combination of characters: the frons has a darkly coloured ring around the lower or lateral margin of the base of the antenna; the antennal bases have reddish markings above are not separated by an x-shaped mark as they are in C. chi ; on the antennae the scape is pale and often with a red ring, the pedicel is dark, and the basal third of the flagellum is pale; the vertex typically has four spots; there are small spots on the pronotum; the lateral groove of the vertex near the eye margin is completely pale without dark streaks as in C. pleuralis . Left to right: C. oculata , C. chi , and C. pleuralis Larvae The head capsule is marked with 3 spots, much like C. chi and C. nigricornis . Within the eastern part of its range, C. oculata can be distinguished fairly readily from other species in the genus by the entirely pale lateral tubercles on the thorax. In both C. chi and C. nigricornis , the third set of thoracic tubercles are darkened. The first abdominal segment lacks tubercles, unlike C. nigricornis . The first set of lateral tubercles on the abdomen, which are on the second segment, are darkened. The following are pale colored and only darkened above. A color photo in
Where is Chrysopa oculata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | meadows with low vegetation, trees, fields |
| Range | most of NA ; our commonest species of the genus |
What does Chrysopa oculata eat?
The diet of the Chrysopa oculata includes soft-bodied arthropods; an important predator of spruce gall aphids in the Lake States ( 5 ).
When is Chrysopa oculata active?
Chrysopa oculata: seasonal activity - most abundant in late summer.
What is the life cycle of a Chrysopa oculata?
Third instar larvae generally overwinter as cocoons. Female laying eggs: