Downes's Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla downesi
This record describes Chrysoperla downesi (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults Eastern: Separated from the eastern population of C. plorabunda (the only other member of the group east of the Great Plains) by its consistently darker and deeper green color. Western: Song analysis is required to separate this species from most other members of the group. No reliable traits are identified in terms of morphology or coloration due to the mohave forms of both C. downesi and C. johnsoni . Larvae Separated from other members of the carnea -group by the tibiae being pale and unmarked except sometimes the extreme bases. Markings on the head capsule not reaching lateral cervical margin at the base and usually medially convergent. Does not change color overwinter and instead remains dark green (in non- mohave populations).
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
Habitat
Associated with pines
Seasonal Activity
Reproduces and develops from late spring to summer ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Univoltine; and overwinters as an adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysoperla downesi
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysoperla downesi. 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 Downes's Green Lacewing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Downes's Green Lacewing
What is Downes's Green Lacewing?
Downes's Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla downesi) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Downes's Green Lacewing?
Adults Eastern: Separated from the eastern population of C. plorabunda (the only other member of the group east of the Great Plains) by its consistently darker and deeper green color. Western: Song analysis is required to separate this species from most other members of the group. No reliable traits are identified in terms of morphology or coloration due to the mohave forms of both C. downesi and C. johnsoni . Larvae Separated from other members of the carnea -group by the tibiae being pale and unmarked except sometimes the extreme bases. Markings on the head capsule not reaching lateral cervical margin at the base and usually medially convergent.
Where is Downes's Green Lacewing found?
Habitat: Associated with pines
When is Downes's Green Lacewing active?
Downes's Green Lacewing: seasonal activity - Reproduces and develops from late spring to summer ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Downes's Green Lacewing?
Univoltine; and overwinters as an adult