Explanation of Names
Named for the type genus, Chrysopa, which is named from Greek chrysos (χρυςοσ)- "gold" + ops (ω&psi)- "eye, face") with a feminine noun ending added. Presumably the type species is like many species of several genera in this family and has golden eyes.
Numbers
85 species in 13 genera listed at
nearctica.com
Insects of Cedar Creek cites "87 North American species".
Identification
Soft-bodied insects with copper-colored eyes, long thread-like antennae, and lacy wings.
To the naked eye the wings appear hairless, but under magnification short hairs can be seen along the edges and veins. See photo and diagram of wing venation:
Most species are green, but some are brown, especially overwintering adults of certain species:
Pinned specimens turn yellowish.
Larvae are flat and elongated (alligator-like) with large jaws. Debris-carrying larvae cover themselves with bits of litter, perhaps to deter predators.
Habitat
Common in grass and weeds and on the foliage of trees and shrubs.
Food
Some adults are predators, others take liquids such as honeydew, and some feed on pollen.
Larvae are predatory on other insects, especially aphids - they're sometimes called "aphid lions." They will also consume larger insects, insect eggs, and pupae.
Life Cycle
Eggs are characteristically stalked. The eggs and egg-laying process is illustrated here:
The larvae pupate in silken cocoons that are generally attached to the underside of leaves or stems.
See illustration:
Remarks
They often give off an unpleasant odor when handled.
See Also
Hemerobiidae - Brown Lacewings have different wing venation and usually more oval wings
Mantispidae - Mantidflies--have raptorial forelegs
Internet References
Green Lacewings of Florida--PDF file, has keys to genera.
