Meleoma emuncta
This record describes Meleoma emuncta (species). Recorded family: Chrysopidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
The pale streak down the body and lines on the genae make this species very easily mistaken for a Chrysoperla . However, the strong cylindrical shape of the scapes and absence of any red on the genae are useful for distinguishing this species. There are also differences in wing venation. Cell im distinctly overlapped by cell r2 in M. emuncta (see the pin in this figure of Chrysopodes venation) but generally not overlapped in Chrysoperla . Larvae have four primary marks on the head capsule. There is often an anterior median spot in third instars, which in Canada is particularly useful for separating this species from M. signoretti .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Chrysopinae
- Tribe
- Chrysopini
- Genus
- Meleoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
widespread, one of only 3 species occurring in the east (Canada: BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, QC; United States: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MA, ME, MI, NC, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, UT, VA, VT, WA, WS)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Meleoma emuncta (Fitch 1855)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Meleoma emuncta. 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 Meleoma emuncta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Meleoma emuncta
What is Meleoma emuncta?
Meleoma emuncta is a species in the family Chrysopidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Meleoma emuncta?
The pale streak down the body and lines on the genae make this species very easily mistaken for a Chrysoperla . However, the strong cylindrical shape of the scapes and absence of any red on the genae are useful for distinguishing this species. There are also differences in wing venation. Cell im distinctly overlapped by cell r2 in M. emuncta (see the pin in this figure of Chrysopodes venation) but generally not overlapped in Chrysoperla . Larvae have four primary marks on the head capsule. There is often an anterior median spot in third instars, which in Canada is particularly useful for separating this species from M. signoretti .
Where is Meleoma emuncta found?
Range: widespread, one of only 3 species occurring in the east (Canada: BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, QC; United States: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MA, ME, MI, NC, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, UT, VA, VT, WA, WS)