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Photo#364101
Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata

Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata
Richmond Hill, York Region, Ontario, Canada
June 25 - I observed two molts. Most of larvae molted in synchrony. This plate shows the process in three steps (clockwise from top left):

1. Attachment - the larva ceases feeding and firmly glues its posterior end to the substrate, remaining so for some 24 hours.
2. Ecdysis - this is the shortest step, taking less than ten minutes from the initial splitting along the dorsal midline to working the tail-tip loose.
3. Sclerotization (tanning). The larva's cuticle hardens within a few hours, after which it resumes feeding. In the image, a freshly-emerged second-instar larva is seen alongside a fully-tanned larva.

Chrysopa larvae are not trash-carriers despite being bristly. The most I've ever seen them carry are insect corpses snagged by accident and, of course, aphids attempting to outwit their enemy by hitching a ride ;-)

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Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata Green Lacewing life cycle - Chrysopa oculata

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