Habitat
Chrysopa oculata are found throughout
the
United States and Canada*. They are a terrestrial
species, but they spend a lot of time flying, especially in the
warmer months of May to September (Arnett 1985). “The structure
and quality of vegetation inside the given habitat and in
adjacent surroundings have the most relevant effects on the
activity of lacewings” (McEwen
et al.
2007). The adults lay eggs on
long stalks. The eggs then hatch into
larva and grow into
adult goldeneyed lacewings (Arnett 1985). Due to the fact
that they are predators, they are often raised commercially and
sold for use in yards and gardens as to control the levels of
other unwanted insects (Dunn 1996). This makes them
popular, natural biological control agents and crop protectors
(McEwen et al. 2007). Groups of Chrysopa oculata can disperse and
travel from one niche to another both by active flight as well
as being passively carried by wind currents (McEwen et al. 2007).
However, it is important to remember that habitats and niches
are not static, but are always changing due to many factors,
including day length and amount of light, climate and weather,
and amount of prey and vegetation for food (McEwen et al. 2007).
