Eremochrysa punctinervis
This record describes Eremochrysa punctinervis (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
A readily-diagnosed species: face with yellow-to-red markings; vertex marked with spots or lines; antennae pale beyond second segment; pronotum with broad reddish marks at the sides; fore and mid tibiae lacking dark bands; venation conspicuously dotted with pale and black; setae black. A very common species (probably the most common species of the arid southwest).
Wikipedia reference for Eremochrysa punctinervis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eremochrysa_punctinervis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Chrysopini
- Genus
- Eremochrysa (Shadow Lacewings)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (BC-CA east to CO-KS-TX) and FL
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae construct debris packets before seeking food.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eremochrysa (Eremochrysa) punctinervis (MacLachlan, 1869) Orig. comb.: Chrysopa punctinervis MacLachlan, 1869
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Eremochrysa punctinervis. 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 Eremochrysa punctinervis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Eremochrysa punctinervis
What is Eremochrysa punctinervis?
Eremochrysa punctinervis is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Eremochrysa punctinervis?
A readily-diagnosed species: face with yellow-to-red markings; vertex marked with spots or lines; antennae pale beyond second segment; pronotum with broad reddish marks at the sides; fore and mid tibiae lacking dark bands; venation conspicuously dotted with pale and black; setae black.
Where is Eremochrysa punctinervis found?
Range: w. NA (BC-CA east to CO-KS-TX) and FL
What is the life cycle of a Eremochrysa punctinervis?
Larvae construct debris packets before seeking food.