Chrysopa perla

Chrysopa perla, the Pearly Green Lacewing, is an insect species belonging to the green lacewing family, Chrysopidae.

Distribution

This widespread species is present in most of Europe and in temperate zones of Asia.

Habitat

These insects prefer cool and shady areas, mainly in deciduous woods, wet forests, woodland edges, hedge rows, scrubby grassland and shrubs.

Description

The adults reach of length, with a wingspan of. 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. The second antennal segment is black. This species is rather similar to Chrysopa dorsalis, showing an oval pale spot between the eyes, which is roundish in C. perla.

Biology

Adults can be encountered from May through August. They are fearsome predators, primarily feeding on aphids, occasionally on flower nectar.
The females usually lay eggs near aphid colonies. Larvae are predators, mainly feeding on Aphididae, Coccidae species and caterpillars. The adult insects hibernate in winter.