Leucochrysa americana
This record describes Leucochrysa americana (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
L. americana is a variable species that can be similar to L. explorata , which only ranges into southern New Mexico and Texas. Both species are distinct in having 6 cubital cells in the forewing (7 or 8 in other species). L. americana is separated by having the frons with either no red markings or multiple red marks (not a single, unbroken mark as in L. explorata ). Note: In western populations, the coloration is often very strongly brown, with broad reddish stripes on the prothorax.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Leucochrysini
- Genus
- Leucochrysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southern US: CA-TX
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Leucochrysa americana. 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 Leucochrysa americana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucochrysa americana
What is Leucochrysa americana?
Leucochrysa americana is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Leucochrysa americana?
L. americana is a variable species that can be similar to L. explorata , which only ranges into southern New Mexico and Texas. Both species are distinct in having 6 cubital cells in the forewing (7 or 8 in other species). L. americana is separated by having the frons with either no red markings or multiple red marks (not a single, unbroken mark as in L. explorata ). Note: In western populations, the coloration is often very strongly brown, with broad reddish stripes on the prothorax.
Where is Leucochrysa americana found?
Range: southern US: CA-TX