The green lacewing, Chrysoperla nipponensis in nature and in an insectary population in Korea: Song types and mitochondrial COI haplotypes

Chrysoperla nipponensis s. lat. were collected as eggs or adults at five sites in Korea, and larvae were purchased from a Korean insectary (Osang-Kinsect Co.). A minimum of five complete courtship songs (= shortest repeated units or SRUs, the phrase exchanged between partners while duetting) of each specimen of C. nipponensis s. lat. were digitally recorded and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was analyzed, confirming that both cryptic species, types A and B, live in Korea. Within a population of C. nipponensis s. lat. sold by a commercial insectary in Korea, individuals whose larval head markings are type A, but whose mitochondrial sequence is type B were found. We also demonstrated that although most individuals derived from the commercial insectary had type A songs, several produced songs exhibiting key elements from type B, suggesting that mixture of the two species at the time the colony was established, or possibly later. [Display omitted] •We found two cryptic species of Chrysoperla nipponensis, type A and B in Korea.•We confirmed it by song type and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene analysis.•A Korean insectary has unintentionally bred and sold hybrids between type A and B.