Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing
Oliarces clara
This record describes Oliarces clara (species). Recorded family: Ithonidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recent phylogenetic work suggests that it may be more closely related to some polystoechotids (J.D. Oswald, 16 July, 2009)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Ithonidae (Giant and Moth Lacewings)
- Genus
- Oliarces
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Populations occur on or near bajadas; adults aggregate at local high topographic features to mate (Johnson 1992)
Geographic Range
Known only from [a few localities in] so. CA and the adjacent parts of NV and AZ. (J.D. Oswald, 16 July, 2009) At present, about 10 isolated populations are known. (AGFD Invertebrate Abstract)
Seasonal Activity
Synchronized adult emergence occurs from mid-April to mid-May. Several large-scale adult emergencies have been observed with estimated densities up to 250,000/acre (Johnson 1992)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae associated with the roots of creosote bush in desert environments (Johnson 1992)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Oliarces clara. 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 Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing
What is Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing?
Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing (Oliarces clara) is a species in the family Ithonidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing?
Forewing ~16 mm long and 5 mm wide; wingspan 35-40 mm, body 18 mm long (Johnson 1992)
Where is Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Populations occur on or near bajadas; adults aggregate at local high topographic features to mate (Johnson 1992) |
| Range | Known only from [a few localities in] so. CA and the adjacent parts of NV and AZ. (J.D. Oswald, 16 July, 2009) At present, about 10 isolated populations are known. (AGFD Invertebrate Abstract) |
What does Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing eat?
The diet of the Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing includes Larvae associated with the roots of creosote bush in desert environments (Johnson 1992).
When is Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing active?
Cheese-weed Moth Lacewing: seasonal activity - Synchronized adult emergence occurs from mid-April to mid-May. Several large-scale adult emergencies have been observed with estimated densities up to 250,000/acre (Johnson 1992).