Download Test_key_to_species_of_Neuroptera_of_St_Helena

THE NEUROPTERA (LACEWINGS) OF ST HELENA
Ease of identification 1/5 (brown lacewing), 3-4 (green lacewings).
Key:
1
Insect is largely brown with mottled wings ........................................HEMEROBIIDAE (Micromus atlanticus)
Insect is largely or wholly green or yellow-green ................................................................... CHRYSOPIDAE 2
2
Antenna longer than forewing .................................................................................................................. 3
Antenna shorter than forewing ................................................................................................................. 4
3
Larger, body length 11 mm, forewing 11.7-16 mm. Prothorax with a black
elongate spot near the hind corners and a blackish transverse spot on the
second antennal segment; a light reddish spot between the antennae and
above and below each eye (these red marks fading in alcohol) ...................................... Chrysoperla exul
Smaller, body length 7 mm, forewing 11 mm. Prothorax unmarked, head
entirely yellow, any small markings brownish ..................................................... Borniochrysa squamosa
4
Thorax yellowish green with a longitudinal dorsal pale yellow stripe;
antennae short, reaching only to pterostigma .......................................................... Chrysoperla zastrowi
Thorax entirely yellowish green; antennae longer, reaching between end of
pterostigma and tip of wing ......................................................................................... Chrysoperla pudica
Species accounts:
Micromus atlanticus. This is an easily recognised common endemic species. It is commonest in the wetter
parts of the island but is attracted to light and is regularly seen at intermediate elevations.
Chrysoperla exul appears to be the commonest green lacewing on the island; it seems to be found mainly
at intermediate elevations with the Belgians finding it at Teutonic Hall, Peak Dale Gumwoods and Longwood; it
has recently been found at Pink Grove.
The remaining three green lacewings appear to be much rarer than C. exul and all are also found in
southern Africa. All but one of the records are by the Belgians who found B. squamosa at high Fisher's Valley
and Peak Dale Gumwoods; C. pudica was found in lower Rupert's Valley and lower Fisher's Valley in the
irrigated area; C. zastrowi has been found at Sandy Bay Beach and Prosperous Bay Plain so may be an arid land
specialist. B. squamosa has recently been found at Pink Grove.
Ecology:
Nothing is known of the precise ecology of these species. They are all generalist predators as larvae end
adults, specializing in small soft prey such as aphids. Although predators, their role is generally beneficial,
particularly in agricultural and garden settings.
Green lacewings lay their eggs on a long stalk on the edge of leaves as a defence against their predation by
ants.
Brown lacewing larvae spin a silk 'rucksack' which they carry on their back, to this they attach all of their
excreta as it is produced; this is thrown in the face of predators if the larva is attacked as a defence
mechanism, it also helps camouflage the larva.