Chrysopidae, has almost 1200 species recognized so far, is one large families of Neuroptera among two, and it is the second only to the Myrmeleontidae. The chrysopid species's larvae feeded on insect and mite pests of agricultural crops or horticultural plantings. Chrysopids are the most frequently studied species of the Neuroptera order because of their value in biological control.

Studies also indicate that prey association, such as that in Chrysopa, and also habitat association, as shown in Chrysoperla, can evolve in a manner that is very similar to the evolution of host specificity in phytophagous insects; there is good evidence that both can be involved in speciation.