Chrysopa pleuralis
This record describes Chrysopa pleuralis (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separated from the very similar C. oculata by the additional dark stripes down the lateral groove near the eye. Specimens also occasionally have more complete stripes on the vertex as opposed to four spots. Left to right: C. pleuralis , C. oculata , and C. chi
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 Canada and US: AB, BC, CO, MT, UT, WY
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysopa pleuralis Banks, 1911
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysopa pleuralis. 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 pleuralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopa pleuralis
What is Chrysopa pleuralis?
Chrysopa pleuralis is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Chrysopa pleuralis?
Separated from the very similar C. oculata by the additional dark stripes down the lateral groove near the eye. Specimens also occasionally have more complete stripes on the vertex as opposed to four spots. Left to right: C. pleuralis , C. oculata , and C. chi
Where is Chrysopa pleuralis found?
Range: Western Canada and US: AB, BC, CO, MT, UT, WY