Chrysopa perla
Species of lacewing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chrysopa perla, the Pearly Green Lacewing,[2] is an insect species belonging to the green lacewing family, Chrysopidae (subfamily Chrysopinae).
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| Chrysopa perla | |
|---|---|
| |
| Near Havelsee, Germany | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Neuroptera |
| Family: | Chrysopidae |
| Genus: | Chrysopa |
| Species: | C. perla |
| Binomial name | |
| Chrysopa perla | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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List
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Distribution
Habitat
Description
The adults reach 10–12 millimetres (0.39–0.47 in) of length, with a wingspan of 25–30 millimetres (0.98–1.18 in).[5][6] The basic coloration of the body is green. Wings are blue-green with black veins. They turn pale yellow during the winter. Several black markings are present on the head, the thorax and below the abdomen.[5] The second antennal segment is black.[4] This species is rather similar to Chrysopa dorsalis, showing an oval pale spot between the eyes, which is roundish in C. perla.[4]
Biology
Adults can be encountered from May through August.[6] They are fearsome predators, primarily feeding on aphids,[5] occasionally on flower nectar.[4]
The females usually lay eggs near aphid colonies.[5] Larvae are predators, mainly feeding on Aphididae, Coccidae species and caterpillars (Pieris brassicae, Autographa gamma).[6] The adult insects hibernate in winter.[5]
Gallery
Dorsal view
Female. Side view
Wing detail
Eating aphids- Video clip
