Green lacewings. Crisopa verde de alas de encaje

Description:

The green lacewings are insects of the family Chrysopidae of the order Neuroptera, or insects with ribbed wings. There are approximately 85 genera and 1500 species of Chrysopidae in the world. Members of the genera Chrysopa and Chrysoperla are very common in North America and Europe. They are delicate insects with a wing span of between 6 and 65 mm, although the largest specimens only develop in tropical regions. Adult green lacewings have a soft body, four transparent wings containing a network of fine veins, golden eyes, and greenish bodies. They usually make their movements at night and can be seen when they are attracted by some light. Adult lacewings are divided into two categories according to their eating habits, since some are predatory and others only feed on honeydew, nectar and pollen. Their larvae are pale in color with dark margins along the entire body, in which belludos tubers can also be seen; they look like little alligators. They are spindle-shaped and their jaw is made up of two pointed sickle-shaped pieces.

Habitat:

Urban setting near a garden. My vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78mvRnru...

Notes:

Biological control, ecological alternative for pest management: Species belonging to the Chrysopidae family belong to the group of general predators. The larva of the species C. carnea is a voracious predator, especially of numerous species of aphids. The life cycle of Chrysoperla carnea goes through the egg, three larval stages, pupa and adult. It winters as a pupa, usually in the litter near the crops. During spring and summer adult animals appear, which disperse and locate their prey, and in whose proximity they lay their eggs. They lay approximately 20 eggs per day, singly or in groups located at the bottom of the leaf. During the three larval stages, they are active predators, especially the third instar larva that preys on 80% of the total prey it ingests throughout its entire biological cycle. The larva digs its jaws into the body of the prey and sucks its fluid contents. The main crops in which Chrysoperla carnea can work effectively are eggplant, zucchini, beans, melon, cucumber, pepper, watermelon and tomato.