Leucochrysa insularis
This record describes Leucochrysa insularis (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two dusky spots on each forewing (single spot in most other Leucochrysa ; no spot in L. arizonensis ), four mesothoracic spots on a golden ground color, and single abdominal spot are distinctive of this species.
Wikipedia reference for Leucochrysa insularis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucochrysa_insularis.
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
e. US (MA-IA to FL-MS); West Indies
Seasonal Activity
May-Sep in NC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs are laid in clusters. The larvae that hatch are debris-carriers and are known for carrying snail shells (or even live snails!) in addition to insect body parts. See Tauber et al. (2013), p. 119, for a list of the snail species. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leucochrysa insularis ( Walker 1853)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Leucochrysa insularis. 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 insularis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucochrysa insularis
What is Leucochrysa insularis?
Leucochrysa insularis is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Leucochrysa insularis?
Two dusky spots on each forewing (single spot in most other Leucochrysa ; no spot in L. arizonensis ), four mesothoracic spots on a golden ground color, and single abdominal spot are distinctive of this species.
Where is Leucochrysa insularis found?
Range: e. US (MA-IA to FL-MS); West Indies
When is Leucochrysa insularis active?
Leucochrysa insularis: seasonal activity - May-Sep in NC ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Leucochrysa insularis?
Eggs are laid in clusters. The larvae that hatch are debris-carriers and are known for carrying snail shells (or even live snails!) in addition to insect body parts. See Tauber et al. (2013), p. 119, for a list of the snail species. ( 4 )