Climacia californica
This record describes Climacia californica (species). Recorded family: Sisyridae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing RP with 1 bifurcation; forewing with distinct maculations and streaking; white of the pterostigma covering 4 veins; flagellum pale to dark brown (not black); postocciput concolorous with rest of head.
Wikipedia reference for Climacia californica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climacia_californica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Sisyridae (Spongilla Lacewings)
- Genus
- Climacia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. US (AZ, CA, ID, OR, TX, UT, WA) (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Climacia californica Chandler, 1953
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Climacia californica. 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 Climacia californica (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Climacia californica
What is Climacia californica?
Climacia californica is a species in the family Sisyridae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Climacia californica?
Forewing 3.75 mm
How do you identify Climacia californica?
Forewing RP with 1 bifurcation; forewing with distinct maculations and streaking; white of the pterostigma covering 4 veins; flagellum pale to dark brown (not black); postocciput concolorous with rest of head.
Where is Climacia californica found?
Range: w. US (AZ, CA, ID, OR, TX, UT, WA) (BG data)