Weeping Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla plorabunda
This record describes Chrysoperla plorabunda (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Definitive identification of adults would require analysis of the tremulation (song) pattern to separate this species from other members of the carnea group. This is, however, the only species of the group reported within the southeastern and central US. Here, it is the only species in the genus with two stripes on the genae (an upper reddish stripe and a lower dark stripe) and rounded hind wingtips. Larvae are likewise comparable to other members of the carnea group. In the eastern US, the 3 distinct white stripes down the body and posteriorly broadened markings on the head capsule readily distinguish it from members of the pudica group. This is the most widespread member not only of the carnea group but also of the genus Chrysoperla found within the US and Canada. It is also the only species in the genus reported continuously from coast to coast.
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
widespread (Canada: AB, BC, MB, SK; United States: AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, TN, TX, WA, WI)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Egg Larva Cocoon Pupa Adult (green form) Adult (tan/brown form)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysoperla plorabunda (Fitch, 1855)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Chrysoperla plorabunda. 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 Weeping Green Lacewing (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Weeping Green Lacewing
What is Weeping Green Lacewing?
Weeping Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla plorabunda) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Weeping Green Lacewing?
Definitive identification of adults would require analysis of the tremulation (song) pattern to separate this species from other members of the carnea group. This is, however, the only species of the group reported within the southeastern and central US. Here, it is the only species in the genus with two stripes on the genae (an upper reddish stripe and a lower dark stripe) and rounded hind wingtips. Larvae are likewise comparable to other members of the carnea group. In the eastern US, the 3 distinct white stripes down the body and posteriorly broadened markings on the head capsule readily distinguish it from members of the pudica group.
Where is Weeping Green Lacewing found?
Range: widespread (Canada: AB, BC, MB, SK; United States: AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, TN, TX, WA, WI)
What is the life cycle of a Weeping Green Lacewing?
Egg Larva Cocoon Pupa Adult (green form) Adult (tan/brown form)