Apertochrysa ventralis (formerly Dichochrysa ventralis)

A fairly common species, flying between June and early August (occasionally late May to early September).

Like Apertochrysa prasina and Chrysopa pallens, this species has a black spot between the bases of the antennae. This species is readily separated from the other two in that it has extensive black markings on the ventral surface of its abdomen. Beware old dried specimens however, as prasina can darken after death and look blackish. Plant (1997) describes the ventral surface as glossy black, however this can be very dark brown rather than jet black.

Note that the black on the underside of the abdomen cannot be seen in normal resting position from the side, so is not usually visible in live photos. It is easy enough to carefully pick up a specimen to examine its underside, or place it in a glass or clear plastic specimen tube to examine, but individuals may not be identifiable from photos if the underside is not shown.

Apertochrysa ventralis, Bintree Wood (Norfolk, UK), 26th June 2020

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 25th June 2023

Unusually cell IMC joined the next cross-vein on one wing of the next example. The other wing was normal.

male Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 11th July 2022

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 17th May 2022

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 19th July 2019

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 16th August 2022

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 26th June 2020

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 31st July 2020

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 15th July 2017

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 2nd August 2016

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 6th July 2016

Apertochrysa ventralis, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 11th July 2022

It's not normally necessary to dissect this species or even look at the tip of the abdomen, but in case of tricky or confusing individuals (e.g. damaged ones) I'm trying to build a library of such things.

male Apertochrysa ventralis showing costa of forewing, abdomen from side (before and after clearing), abdomen from end and internal genital structures, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 11th September 2022