MORPHOLOGY OF THE COMMON GREEN LACEWING (CHRYSOPIDAE, CHRYSOPERLA CARNEA)

Abstract

This article presents a scientific analysis of the morphological
characteristics and biology of Chrysoperla carnea. This species belongs to the
family Chrysopidae within the order Neuroptera. The study describes the
morphogenesis, anatomical structure, and functional features of the egg, larval,
pupal, and adult (imago) stages. Particular attention is given to the campodeiform
larval morphology, piercing-sucking mouthparts, the mandibulo-maxillary feeding
canal enabling extraoral digestion, and its entomophagous behavior. Changes in
pigmentation during diapause associated with carotenoids, as well as the ecological
significance of the species as a biological control agent in agroecosystems, are also
discussed.