Order: Neuroptera
Family: Chrysopidae
Genus: Chrysopa
Chrysopa rufilabris is a member of the Family Chrysopidae, which contains the common lacewings, with 27 North American species. Lacewings typically have a pale greenish body and often have golden eyes. The wings are transparent and characterized by numerous cross veins. These lacewings commonly occur in fields, where their larvae can feed on aphids. Adults lay their eggs on the underside of leaves, and the eggs are attached to a projecting, threadlike filament. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and begin to feed immediately. The larvae are voracious predators, and their preference for aphids has earned them the nickname “Aphid Lions”. The larvae have large pincers and often cover their bodies with debris and pieces of their prey as Ameans of camouflage. The larvae of C. rufilabris are frequently used as a means of biological control of agricultural pests.
Chrysopa rufilabris – Green Lacewing
Chrysopa rufilabris – high close up of the head
Chrysopa rufilabris – High close up of the wing
Chrysopa rufilabris – High close up of the head of a larva
Chrysopa rufilabris on Bugguide.net
Chrysopa rufilabris on Wikipedia
Sources
(1) Weeden, C.R., A.M. Shelton, and M.P. Hoffman. Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America.
(2) Triplehorn, C.A. and N.F. Johnson, Borror and Delong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th ed., (2005), Thomson Brooks/Cole
