🧚 Lacewings & Antlions

Chilean Green Lacewing

Chrysoperla externa

About Chilean Green Lacewing

The most common green lacewing in South America with a broad distribution. Extensively used for biological control in Brazilian agriculture.

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Did You Know?

Brazilian farmers rear millions of these lacewings annually for release in soybean and cotton fields.

How to Identify Chilean Green Lacewing

Chilean Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla externa) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Chrysopidae. Adults typically measure 14-22 mm wingspan.

Chilean Green Lacewing Habitat

Chilean Green Lacewing is found in farmland habitats, particularly across South America, Central America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Chilean Green Lacewing Diet and Feeding

Chilean Green Lacewing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Chilean Green Lacewing Found?

Chilean Green Lacewing can be found in South America, Central America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Chilean Green Lacewing can be found

Is Chilean Green Lacewing Dangerous?

Chilean Green Lacewing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Chilean Green Lacewing Role in Nature

Chilean Green Lacewing plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Chilean Green Lacewing are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Chilean Green Lacewing

What does Chilean Green Lacewing look like?

The Chilean Green Lacewing typically measures 14-22 mm wingspan.

Where is Chilean Green Lacewing found?

The Chilean Green Lacewing is found in South America, Central America and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Chilean Green Lacewing eat?

The Chilean Green Lacewing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Chilean Green Lacewing dangerous to humans?

The Chilean Green Lacewing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Chilean Green Lacewing?

Brazilian farmers rear millions of these lacewings annually for release in soybean and cotton fields.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Chilean Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla externa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/chilean-green-lacewing

MLA:
"Chilean Green Lacewing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/chilean-green-lacewing.