University of Michigan Biological Station

Biology 442 - Biology of Insects

Lecture Notes - Families of Neuroptera

1. S. O. Megaloptera - Hindwings broader at base than forewings; aquatic larvae.
   1. Sialidae (Alderflies).
      1. Size - medium.
      2. Diagnostic characters.
         1. Dark colored.
         2. Small size.
         3. Ocelli absent.
      3. Habitat. Larvae usually under stones in streams or on rocky shores. Adults nearby on vegetation.
      4. Food. Larvae predaceous on small insects. Adults predaceous?
      5. Other. Found here on Grapevine pt.
   2. Corydalidae (Dobsonflies and fishflies).
      1. Size - large.
      2. Diagnostic characters.
         1. Sometimes dark, more often light colored.
         2. Larger size.
         3. Ocelli present.
      3. Habitat. Larvae under stones in streams or some in lakes. Adults nearby.
      4. Food. Larvae and adults predaceous on other insects.
2. S. O. Planipennia - Front and hindwings similar in size and shape; usually terrestrial larvae.
   1. Mantispidae (Mantidflies).
      1. Size - medium to large.
      2. Diagnostic characters.
         1. Resemble manids with long prothorax.
         2. Raptorial front legs.
      3. Habitat. Wooded or fields.
      4. Food. Larvae either feed on larvae of bees and wasps or on spider eggs. Adults are predaceous.
      5. Other. Have hypermetamorphosis; 1st instar active to find food source then transforms to relatively inactive feeding further instars.
   2. Hemerobiidae (Brown lacewings).
      1. Size - small.
      2. Diagnostic characters.
         1. Look like small brown lacewings.
         2. Venational characters are technical difference.
      3. Habitat. Usually wooded areas.
      4. Food. Larvae are predaceous. Adults ?
      5. Other. Egg laid on foliage and not stalked.
   3. Chrysopidae (Common or Green lacewings).
      1. Size - medium.
      2. Diagnostic characters.
         1. Green color.
         2. Copper colored eyes.
      3. Habitat. Often in open areas, but also wooded.
      4. Food. Both larvae and adults predaceous, often on aphids. Some adults feed on pollen or honeydew.
      5. Other. Egg laid on foliage with stalk.
   4. Myrmeleontidae (Antlions).
      1. Size - large.
      2. Diagnostic characters.
         1. Resemble damselflies but,
         2. Clubbed antennae.
         3. Different wing venation.
      3. Habitat. Especially in areas of sandy soil.
      4. Food. Larvae predaceous; some construct conical pits to catch ants, some are hidden just below surface and others wander around on the surface of the soil. Adults ?

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