Kymachrysa intacta
This record describes Kymachrysa intacta (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Kymachrysa is one of several genera with a pale streak down the body and is distinguished by its sinuate longitudinal veins, between the inner and outer gradate veins. In most other green lacewing genera, the longitudinal veins are essentially straight. K. intacta has reddish markings in contrast to the black markings of K. plactita .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Chrysopini
- Genus
- Kymachrysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Eggs are laid on the trunks of deciduous or evergreen trees, and the debris-carrying larvae form their debris packet from the woody material of these trees.
Geographic Range
widespread (Canada: ON, QC; United States: AZ, CA, CO, MN, MO, NC, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, TN, TX, UT, WI, WV, WY)
Seasonal Activity
Adults: June - mid-October, most prominent in August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs hatch into the first instar larvae around September to October. Development is influenced by the length of daylight. They overwinter as second instar larvae until about March to April. They pupate and then emerge as adults in June, with adult activity peaking in August. Adults lay eggs on the trunks of deciduous or evergreen trees from July into late September to early October, and adults die around mid-October.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Kymachrysa intacta (Navás 1912)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Kymachrysa intacta. 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 Kymachrysa intacta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Kymachrysa intacta
What is Kymachrysa intacta?
Kymachrysa intacta is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Kymachrysa intacta?
Kymachrysa is one of several genera with a pale streak down the body and is distinguished by its sinuate longitudinal veins, between the inner and outer gradate veins. In most other green lacewing genera, the longitudinal veins are essentially straight. K. intacta has reddish markings in contrast to the black markings of K. plactita .
Where is Kymachrysa intacta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Eggs are laid on the trunks of deciduous or evergreen trees, and the debris-carrying larvae form their debris packet from the woody material of these trees. |
| Range | widespread (Canada: ON, QC; United States: AZ, CA, CO, MN, MO, NC, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, TN, TX, UT, WI, WV, WY) |
When is Kymachrysa intacta active?
Kymachrysa intacta: seasonal activity - Adults: June - mid-October, most prominent in August.
What is the life cycle of a Kymachrysa intacta?
Eggs hatch into the first instar larvae around September to October. Development is influenced by the length of daylight. They overwinter as second instar larvae until about March to April. They pupate and then emerge as adults in June, with adult activity peaking in August. Adults lay eggs on the trunks of deciduous or evergreen trees from July into late September to early October, and adults die around mid-October.