Zeugomantispa minuta
This record describes Zeugomantispa minuta (species). Recorded family: Mantispidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Green color distinctive among our mantispid fauna (although preserved specimens frequently appear pale yellow). Note: other green members of this genus occur in the Neotropics. Wing venation
Wikipedia reference for Zeugomantispa minuta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeugomantispa_minuta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Mantispoidea
- Family
- Mantispidae (Mantid Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Mantispinae
- Genus
- Zeugomantispa (Green Mantidflies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US: NJ-WI south to FL-TX (rare in northern part of range); Central America to Venezuela
Seasonal Activity
Late spring through fall.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory: larvae feed on spider eggs; adult small insects.
Life History
Larvae penetrate spider egg sacks and develop as parasitoids ; known hosts include members of 26 genera from 15 families egg mass; eggs; young-larva; pupa; adult females:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zeugomantispa minuta
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Zeugomantispa minuta. 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 Zeugomantispa minuta (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Aaron Schusteff , v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Zeugomantispa minuta
What is Zeugomantispa minuta?
Zeugomantispa minuta is a species in the family Mantispidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Zeugomantispa minuta?
Green color distinctive among our mantispid fauna (although preserved specimens frequently appear pale yellow). Note: other green members of this genus occur in the Neotropics. Wing venation
Where is Zeugomantispa minuta found?
Range: e. US: NJ-WI south to FL-TX (rare in northern part of range); Central America to Venezuela
What does Zeugomantispa minuta eat?
The diet of the Zeugomantispa minuta includes Predatory: larvae feed on spider eggs; adult small insects..
When is Zeugomantispa minuta active?
Zeugomantispa minuta: seasonal activity - Late spring through fall..
What is the life cycle of a Zeugomantispa minuta?
Larvae penetrate spider egg sacks and develop as parasitoids ; known hosts include members of 26 genera from 15 families egg mass; eggs; young-larva; pupa; adult females: