Chrysopa perla, the pearly green lacewing,[2] is an insect species belonging to the green lacewing family, Chrysopidae (subfamily Chrysopinae).
This widespread species is present in most of Europe[3] and in temperate zones of Asia.[4][5]
These insects prefer cool and shady areas, mainly in deciduous woods, wet forests, woodland edges, hedge rows, scrubby grassland and shrubs.[6][4]
The adults reach 10–12 millimetres (0.39–0.47 in) of length, with a wingspan of 25–30 millimetres (0.98–1.18 in).[5][6] The basic coloration of the body is green. Wings are blue-green with black veins. They turn pale yellow during the winter. Several black markings are present on the head, the thorax and below the abdomen.[5] The second antennal segment is black.[4] This species is rather similar to Chrysopa dorsalis, showing an oval pale spot between the eyes, which is roundish in C. perla.[4]
Adults can be encountered from May through August.[6] They are fearsome predators, primarily feeding on aphids,[5] occasionally on flower nectar.[4]
The females usually lay eggs near aphid colonies.[5] Larvae are predators, mainly feeding on Aphididae, Coccidae species and caterpillars (Pieris brassicae, Autographa gamma).[6] The adult insects hibernate in winter.[5]
Dorsal view
Female. Side view
Wing detail
Eating aphids
Video clip
Chrysopa perla, the pearly green lacewing, is an insect species belonging to the green lacewing family, Chrysopidae (subfamily Chrysopinae).
