Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing
Leucochrysa pavida
This record describes Leucochrysa pavida (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults have rather long antennae, a golden head and regions of the thorax, red stripes on the antennal scapes, a red stripe on the gena, dark stripes on the sides of the prothorax, and conspicuously darkened pterostigmas (characteristic of most members of the genus). To further contrast other members of the genus, the body lacks any spots, and the vertex of the head is unmarked. Larvae are known for carrying lichens. While this is also occasionally done by some Ceraeochrysa , the two are readily separated by facial markings, with Ceraeochrysa particularly lacking the lowermost line between the mandibles. Other traits may additionally help to separate L. pavida from other members of the genus in the absence of its debris covering. L. pavida larva with facial markings visible, noting in part the mark between the mandibles. As a Leucochrysa , the scoli are also longer. For comparison: Another species, Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis , lacking the mark between the mandibles. As a Ceraeochrysa , the scoli are also shorter.
Wikipedia reference for Leucochrysa pavida: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucochrysa_pavida.
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
IN, NC-FL, TX
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The debris packet carried by larvae comprises thallus fragments from 3 species of lichens: Lecanora stobilina , Myelochroa aurulenta , and Lepraria sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leucochrysa pavida (Hagen, 1861)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Leucochrysa pavida. 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 Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing
What is Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing?
Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing (Leucochrysa pavida) is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing?
Adults have rather long antennae, a golden head and regions of the thorax, red stripes on the antennal scapes, a red stripe on the gena, dark stripes on the sides of the prothorax, and conspicuously darkened pterostigmas (characteristic of most members of the genus). To further contrast other members of the genus, the body lacks any spots, and the vertex of the head is unmarked. Larvae are known for carrying lichens. While this is also occasionally done by some Ceraeochrysa , the two are readily separated by facial markings, with Ceraeochrysa particularly lacking the lowermost line between the mandibles. Other traits may additionally help to separate L. pavida from other members of the genus in the absence of its debris covering. L. pavida larva with facial markings visible, noting in part the mark between the mandibles. As a Leucochrysa , the scoli are also longer. For comparison: Another species, Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis , lacking the mark between the mandibles. As a Ceraeochrysa , the scoli are also shorter.
Where is Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing found?
Range: IN, NC-FL, TX
What is the life cycle of a Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing?
The debris packet carried by larvae comprises thallus fragments from 3 species of lichens: Lecanora stobilina , Myelochroa aurulenta , and Lepraria sp.