Hemerobius stigma
This record describes Hemerobius stigma (species). Recorded family: Hemerobiidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Noted for a distinctive, broad orange-brown pterostigma especially on the hind wings , dark spot at the basal crossvein between veins M3+4 and Cu1, and more unicolored thorax. (see Meinander, 1962 ) Highly variable in terms of wing markings, with the summer form being nearly devoid of markings and the winter form having heavily spotted wings. Caution: several other species have a distinct pterosigma, particularly in the west, including H. alpestris , H. kokaneeanus , and H. simulans .
Wikipedia reference for Hemerobius stigma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemerobius_stigma.
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
Habitat
Often associated with conifers.
Geographic Range
Holarctic. Widespread in North America. ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Listed March-April, September, for North Carolina by Brimley ( 4 ) .
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Life history described in depth by Withycombe.
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Hemerobius stigma. 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 stigma (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Boone; Additional contributions by cotinis , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemerobius stigma
What is Hemerobius stigma?
Hemerobius stigma is a species in the family Hemerobiidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Hemerobius stigma?
5-8 mm
How do you identify Hemerobius stigma?
Noted for a distinctive, broad orange-brown pterostigma especially on the hind wings , dark spot at the basal crossvein between veins M3+4 and Cu1, and more unicolored thorax. (see Meinander, 1962 ) Highly variable in terms of wing markings, with the summer form being nearly devoid of markings and the winter form having heavily spotted wings. Caution: several other species have a distinct pterosigma, particularly in the west, including H. alpestris , H. kokaneeanus , and H. simulans .
Where is Hemerobius stigma found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Often associated with conifers. |
| Range | Holarctic. Widespread in North America. ( 3 ) |
When is Hemerobius stigma active?
Hemerobius stigma: seasonal activity - Listed March-April, September, for North Carolina by Brimley ( 4 ) ..
What is the life cycle of a Hemerobius stigma?
Life history described in depth by Withycombe.