Slosson's Green Lacewing 0
Chrysopa slossonae
This record describes Chrysopa slossonae (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are very similar in appearance to Chrysopa quadripunctata but differ in terms of wing venation. Larval traits differ more greatly, with C. slossonae adapted as a specialist of Prociphilus tesselatus , the woolly alder aphid, and C. quadripiunctata as a generalist. Larvae carry a debris packet of flocculence from their woolly aphid prey. Hybridization with Chrysopa quadripunctata has occurred under laboratory conditions. Where sympatric, separation of adults of C. quadriguttata may not always be possible from photos alone.
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
Larvae are found exclusively on alder.
Geographic Range
NC, NH, NY, VA ( 3 ) ; additional records possible in GA, ME, MD, WV ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are specialist predators of Prociphilus tesselatus , the woolly alder aphid.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysopa slossonae Banks, 1924
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysopa slossonae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slosson's Green Lacewing 0
What is Slosson's Green Lacewing 0?
Slosson's Green Lacewing 0 (Chrysopa slossonae) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Slosson's Green Lacewing 0?
Adults are very similar in appearance to Chrysopa quadripunctata but differ in terms of wing venation. Larval traits differ more greatly, with C. slossonae adapted as a specialist of Prociphilus tesselatus , the woolly alder aphid, and C. quadripiunctata as a generalist. Larvae carry a debris packet of flocculence from their woolly aphid prey.
Where is Slosson's Green Lacewing 0 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae are found exclusively on alder. |
| Range | NC, NH, NY, VA ( 3 ) ; additional records possible in GA, ME, MD, WV ( 4 ) |
What does Slosson's Green Lacewing 0 eat?
The diet of the Slosson's Green Lacewing 0 includes Larvae are specialist predators of Prociphilus tesselatus , the woolly alder aphid..