Comanche Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla comanche
This record describes Chrysoperla comanche (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished by its western range, broadly red-striped genae ('cheeks'), green cross veins, and pointed hind wingtips. This species may be mistaken for C. rufilabris due to its extensively red genae. However, C. comanche is found in the desert southwest, primarily outside the range of C. rufilabris , and may be separated by inspecting the wings for black cross-veins. Reports of this species in British Columbia were investigated by Garland and were determined to be misidentified members of the carnea -group.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Chrysopini
- Genus
- Chrysoperla (Common Green Lacewings)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern United States: AZ, CA, CO, NM, TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysoperla comanche (Banks, 1938)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysoperla comanche. 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 Comanche Green Lacewing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Comanche Green Lacewing
What is Comanche Green Lacewing?
Comanche Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla comanche) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Comanche Green Lacewing?
Distinguished by its western range, broadly red-striped genae ('cheeks'), green cross veins, and pointed hind wingtips. This species may be mistaken for C. rufilabris due to its extensively red genae. However, C. comanche is found in the desert southwest, primarily outside the range of C. rufilabris , and may be separated by inspecting the wings for black cross-veins.
Where is Comanche Green Lacewing found?
Range: Southern United States: AZ, CA, CO, NM, TX