| The 5000 known Neuropterans are often collectively known as the Net-winged Insects. They are a ancient order, with an ever growing fossil record, and probably represent the most primative of the holometabolous insect orders. They are all predatory and feed on other insects, although a few also supplement their diet with pollen. |
|
|
Family: Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
|
| The Green Lacewings are probably the most familiar European members of the Neuroptera, although their nocturnal habits does mean they are often overlooked. Unique among the Neuropterans, members of the Chrysopidae lay their eggs at the end of a short strand of mucus which solidifies instantly on exposure to the air. |
|
|
|
Common Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla) - Cheshire, England - June 2008
|
|
|
Family: Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings)
|
| The Brown Lacewings, represented by over 40 species, are the largest group of European Neuropterans. |
|
|
|
Micromus variegatus eating a green mirid bug - Cheshire, England - May 2009
|
| Micromus variegatus is one of the most common and widespread of the 30 species of Brown Lacewings that occur in Britain. It generally keeps to dense vegetation but is often attracted to house lights in August. |
|
|
Family: Myrmeleontidae (Antlions)
|
| Only one species of antlion occurs in Britain (not illustrated) at a few sandy sites in Suffolk. Several other species do, however, occur in Europe, especially in the south. These insects get their name from the predatory habits of their larvae which construct a steeply sloped pit in sandy locations and bury themselves at the bottom of it with only their large, powerful jaws exposed. Ants, and other small insects, that fall into the pit are unable to climb out of the trap and are quickly killed by the antlion larva. |
|
|
|
Palpares libelluloides - Lesvos, Greece - May 2006
|
| Adult antlions can easily be mistaken for dragonflies or damselflies, especially impressive species such as Palpares libelluloides, the largest of the European antlions. They can all be readily distinguished from the Odonata, however, by their thickly clubbed antennae. |
|
|
Family: Ascalaphidae
|
| Ascalphids are diurnal, sun-loving insects. Their brightly coloured wings and a habit of basking in sun with their wings open can often lead them to be mistaken for butterflies or moths. When the sun disappears they rest in a more typical Neuropteran fashion with their wings closed over their body. |
|
|
|
Ascalaphus macaronius - Bulgaria - June 2007
|
| Ascalaphids do not occur in Britain, but there are several species that can be found in southern Europe. |
|
|
Family: Nemopteridae (Spoonwings)
|
| Another butterfly-like group of Neuropterans are the Nemopteridae, which are also sometimes known as the Thread-like Antlions. These are mainly crepuscular, performing their mating dances at dusk. During the day, they may be seen fluttering lazily close to the ground or resting on flowers. |
|
|
|
Nemoptera sinuata - Lesvos, Greece - May 2006
|
| Only 3 species can be found in southern Europe. None occur in Britain. |
|
|
|
Nemoptera sinuata - Lesvos, Greece - May 2006
|
|
|
|
