Chrysoperla carnea

While Chrysoperla carnea lacks prominent cultural symbolism or culinary use, its importance lies chiefly in agriculture and ecology as a beneficial insect, widely appreciated by farmers and gardeners for its pest control abilities.

• The intricate wing venation of lacewings inspired their common name.
• Lacewing larvae are often called "aphid lions" due to their fierce predation.
• They undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
• Despite their delicate appearance, adults have remarkable environmental tolerance but are sensitive to broad-spectrum insecticides.
• Commercial rearing of lacewings supports sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Chrysoperla carnea thrives across temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. It inhabits diverse environments where prey insects are abundant, often found in agricultural fields, gardens, and natural vegetation, contributing to pest regulation in these ecosystems.

The lacewing undergoes complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid near prey colonies; larvae emerge as active predators before pupating into adults with characteristic lace-like wings.

As a natural predator, Chrysoperla carnea plays a crucial ecological role by controlling populations of aphids and other soft-bodied pests. This predation helps maintain balanced ecosystems and supports sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical insecticides.

While not currently assessed for conservation status, lacewings face threats from broad-spectrum insecticides that can decimate their populations. Conservation efforts focus on promoting integrated pest management practices that protect beneficial insects like lacewings by minimizing harmful chemical use.