Is taxonomic accuracy important or can it be given up? How to identify lacewings?

Bozsik, András (2026) Is taxonomic accuracy important or can it be given up? How to identify lacewings? GEORGIKON FOR AGRICULTURE: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 30 (1). pp. 1-8. ISSN 0239-1260

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Abstract

The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens, 1836) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is the best known, most common, most studied, and most widely used lacewing species. It has long been the focus of attention because it is a suitable candidate for IPM programs: it is found worldwide, its larvae are polyphagous predators that are effective natural enemies of pests of important crops, it is easy and inexpensive to rear, and populations resistant to pesticides have been found. However, its study and use may be hampered by difficulties in its identification. The reason for this is that it has previously been discovered that it is not a single species, but a complex of sister species. These extremely similar sister species are very difficult to distinguish from each other. In the past, taxonomic difficulties have been compounded by naming problems, and the past still haunts us. According to our current knowledge, the following sibling species occur in Hungary: Chrysoperla carnea, Chrysoperla pallida, Chrysoperla lucasina, and Chrysoperla agilis. However, due to the difficulties of identification, errors may occur even at present in publications, and taxonomic accuracy is often sacrificed in favour of referring exclusively to the complex, even though the ecological requirements of the individual species differ, which may determine their use. The author reviews the practice of species complex separation in Hungary and Europe, and its consequences, with particular regard to the methods and knowledge that can help to provide accurate information and guidance on the determination, naming, and occurrence of taxa.

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