11-10-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TYPICAL GREEN LACEWING (Apertochrysa flavifrons)

Apertochrysa flavifrons is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, formerly classified under the genera Dichochrysa and Pseudomallada.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Order: Neuroptera (Lacewings and allies)

• Family: Chrysopidae (Green lacewings)

• Genus: Apertochrysa

• Synonyms: Dichochrysa flavifrons, Pseudomallada flavifrons

Identification and Morphology

• Coloration: A pale green lacewing that generally lacks a prominent pale yellow dorsal stripe down the back.

• Head Markings: It has a square-shaped scape (first antennal segment), a green second antennal segment, reddish-brown spots on the sides of the face, and crucially no black spot between the bases of the antennae (which distinguishes it from related species like Apertochrysa prasina and Apertochrysa ventralis).

• Wings and Venation: The forewings feature a dark spot typically present at the base of the costa, the basal costal cross-vein is dark, and the RMCV vein is positioned proximal to the apex of cell IMC.

• Palps: Ringed with black.

Phenology and Activity

• Active Season: Typically active from late June through August, with a peak in late July and early August, and occasional records stretching into October.