🧚 Lacewings & Antlions

Downes' Green Lacewing

Chrysoperla downesi

About Downes' Green Lacewing

A conifer-associated green lacewing that retains its green color through winter. Unlike relatives, it does not turn brown in cold months.

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Did You Know?

It stays green year-round, while most related species change to brown or tan in winter.

How to Identify Downes' Green Lacewing

Downes' Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla downesi) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Chrysopidae. Adults typically measure 12-18 mm wingspan.

Downes' Green Lacewing Habitat

Downes' Green Lacewing is found in forests habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Downes' Green Lacewing Diet and Feeding

Downes' Green Lacewing is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Downes' Green Lacewing Found?

Downes' Green Lacewing can be found in North America, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Downes' Green Lacewing can be found

Is Downes' Green Lacewing Dangerous?

Downes' 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.

Downes' Green Lacewing Role in Nature

Downes' Green Lacewing serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Downes' Green Lacewing

What does Downes' Green Lacewing look like?

The Downes' Green Lacewing typically measures 12-18 mm wingspan.

Where is Downes' Green Lacewing found?

The Downes' Green Lacewing is found in North America and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Downes' Green Lacewing eat?

The Downes' Green Lacewing is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Downes' Green Lacewing dangerous to humans?

The Downes' 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 Downes' Green Lacewing?

It stays green year-round, while most related species change to brown or tan in winter.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Downes' Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla downesi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/downes-green-lacewing

MLA:
"Downes' Green Lacewing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/downes-green-lacewing.