Ceraeochrysa placita (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): Generic Characteristics of Larvae, Larval Descriptions, and Life Cycle

Abstract

The 3 instars of Ceraeochrysa placita (Banks) express all the traits that typify trashcarrying lacewing larvae in the tribe Chrysopini: short, broad bodies; thorax with elongate, setaceous tubercles; abdomen humped, bearing hooked setae dorsally. Based on our comparison of C. placita larvae with descriptions of larvae in other trash-carrying chrysopine genera, we propose a tentative definition of Ceraeochrysa larvae. In addition, to aid in identifying C. placita larvae, we list a series of traits that distinguishes C. placita from previously described New World trash-carrying chrysopines. One of these traits appears unique to C. placita: in addition to the 2 or 3 long setae that typically occur at the apex of the dorsolateral thoracic tubercles of all chrysopine 1st instars, on C. placita each tubercle also bears a short, stout seta apically. Whether this trait is apomorphic for Ceraeochrysa , or for C. placita , is an open question. Finally, we present a series of biological traits that distinguishes C. placita . Eggs are laid on the trunks of medium- to large-sized trees, which are also feeding sites for prediapause larvae. It has a univoltine life cycle, and the 2nd instar is the overwintering stage. Photoperiod strongly influences the life cycle; short daylengths retard development in 1st instars, induce diapause in 2nd instars, and may have a role in postdiapause development. Compared with other chrysopids, C. placita's incubation and preoviposition periods are long.