Mallada basalis

Mallada basalis has a length of 10–15 mm, and typically has a pale green colour.^[12] Its translucent, veined wings are iridescent in natural sunlight.^[12] Specimens can be identified by a green pterostigma present in the hind wings that is not present in Chrysopidae of a similar appearance.^[12]

Mallada basalis has been identified on the Eastern states of Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, Micronesia and Polynesia (including an outlier population on Easter Island).^[12] Mallada basalis has been seen living in both suburban and native flora environments.^[12]

The first confirmed sighting of Mallada basalis in New Zealand was in 1940 on the Kermadec Islands, though evidence of the species may go back as far as 1908.^[14] In 2010, a specimen was identified on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf, and the first specimen in Auckland was identified in 2016.^[12] By 2020, Mallada basalis was present across the Auckland and Northland Regions.^[12] As of 2020, it is unclear if this species self-introduced to New Zealand, or if it was introduced due to human activity.^[12] The impact of this species on New Zealand is currently unknown. No native Chrysopidae species have been previously described from mainland New Zealand; their presence may control agricultural pests such as aphids and mealybugs, or pose a risk to native insect life.^[12] Many lacewing species were imported to New Zealand between the 1920s and 1970s, however none successfully established populations in the country.^[15]