Hemerobius humulinus
This record describes Hemerobius humulinus (species). Recorded family: Hemerobiidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Within the eastern range (particularly southeastern), the broad pale stripe on the thorax and lack of pigmented pterostigmas separate it from the other widespread species, H. stigma . Caution: many (!) other species have a yellowish stripe down the thorax, particularly in the west where the genus is most diverse.
Wikipedia reference for Hemerobius humulinus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemerobius_humulinus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Hemerobiinae
- Genus
- Hemerobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic; across N. Amer. south to CO-TX-FL
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Apr and Sep-Nov in NC
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Click on an image to view the life cycle:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hemerobius humulinus Linnaeus 1758
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Hemerobius humulinus. 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 Hemerobius humulinus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy , v belov , metrioptera , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemerobius humulinus
What is Hemerobius humulinus?
Hemerobius humulinus is a species in the family Hemerobiidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Hemerobius humulinus?
Within the eastern range (particularly southeastern), the broad pale stripe on the thorax and lack of pigmented pterostigmas separate it from the other widespread species, H. stigma . Caution: many (!) other species have a yellowish stripe down the thorax, particularly in the west where the genus is most diverse.
Where is Hemerobius humulinus found?
Range: Holarctic; across N. Amer. south to CO-TX-FL
When is Hemerobius humulinus active?
Hemerobius humulinus: seasonal activity - Mar-Apr and Sep-Nov in NC.
What is the life cycle of a Hemerobius humulinus?
Click on an image to view the life cycle: