Harris's Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla harrisii
This record describes Chrysoperla harrisii (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Noted for the extensively red genae, pointed apex of hind wings, broad red marks behind the eyes, brown spots at the anterior corners of the prothorax, and entirely green wing venation. Dorsum of maxillary palps black; forewing narrow with pointed apex; claw with basal dilation small; male genitalia as in C. comanche but with wider acumen Western reports of this species in British Columbia and Alaska 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
Canada: ON; United States: DC, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, TN, TX, WI
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysoperla harrisii (Fitch, 1855)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysoperla harrisii. 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 Harris's Green Lacewing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Harris's Green Lacewing
What is Harris's Green Lacewing?
Harris's Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla harrisii) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Harris's Green Lacewing?
Forewing 13-14 mm ♀; 12.5 mm ♂
How do you identify Harris's Green Lacewing?
Noted for the extensively red genae, pointed apex of hind wings, broad red marks behind the eyes, brown spots at the anterior corners of the prothorax, and entirely green wing venation. Dorsum of maxillary palps black; forewing narrow with pointed apex; claw with basal dilation small; male genitalia as in C. comanche but with wider acumen
Where is Harris's Green Lacewing found?
Range: Canada: ON; United States: DC, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, TN, TX, WI