Nothochrysa fulviceps (Stephen, 1836) is a lacewing (Insecta: Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) from Europe. Its body can measure up to 15 mm long and has a color pattern that easily differentiates it from other lacewings (1). Inhabits oak, maple, or coniferous forests at several meters high. It has been seen mainly in Spain on Pyrenean oaks (Quercus pyrenaica).
The female lays several stalked eggs on leaves or trunks (3), from there, larvae hatch and go through three instars. These larvae are voracious predators that use their jaws to capture and suck prey (2), mainly small arthropods such as aphids (lacewing larvae are known to be used as biological pest control). This larva, like many other lacewings larvae, uses a curious camouflage method, placing different elements of its environment such as remains of bark, leaves, or even remains of their prey, which gives them their common name “debris-carrying larva” (4). After a few weeks, they form a silk cocoon on leaves or trunks (5) within which a pupa develops and from which a nocturnal adult (6) later emerges, feeding mainly on pollen, nectar, and honeydew.
Digital illustration with which I participated in the 10th edition of the Illustraciencia Scientific Illustration Award (2023)
