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Overview |
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Neuropterans have four membranous wings which ususally contain extensive branching
of both the cross veins and longitudinal veins. It is this feature which gives the
order its name. Their exoskeleton is not high in chitin and therefore they are
soft-bodied insects. They undergo complete metamorphisis. Most of the larvae are
predacious. There are ,however, two notable exceptions. The larvae in the family
Sisyridae feed on freshwater sponges and the larvae in the family Mantispidae are
parasites of the egg sacs of spiders (Borror, Triplehorn, and Johnson 1989).
The classification system used below is not universal. Some sources will split
the order into several. The order would be split into three: Megaloptera, Neuroptera, and Raphidiodea.
Neuroptera is derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning sinew and "ptera" which means wings.
This has developed in modern English to a common reference to the insects of this order.
They are refered to as "nerve-wings" or "nerve-winged insects". However, this common
reference is not misleading because the wings of Neuropterans are extensively branched
and do, at least superficially, resemble the extensive branching of the neuritic
interconections of the central neurvous system.
Neuroptera is a diverse order and some of the common names of its members are
Alderflies, Dobsonflies, Fishflies, Snakeflies, Lacewings, Antlions, and Owlflies.
Larvae of Megaloptera are important predators in aquatic ecosystems. They also serve
as food for fish and other aquatic vertebrates. Lacewing larvae are beneficial as predators
of agricultural pests (aphids, whiteflies and scale insects). Some species are reared and
sold commercially as biocontrol agents."-- (N.C. State University Entomology Dept.)
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Phylogeny |
| Taxonomic Category
| Scientific Name
| Common Name
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| Phylum
| Arthropoda
| Arthropods
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| Class
| Insecta
| Insects
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| Order
| Neuroptera
| Alderflies, Dobsonflies,
Fishflies,Snakeflies,Lacewings,
Antlions, and Owlflies
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Geographic distribution |
(N.C. State University Entomology Dept.)
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North America
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Worldwide
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| Number of Families |
15 |
21 |
| Number of Species |
349 |
~5,500 |
Click here for Megaloptera checklist from the Great Smoky Mountains.
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Natural history |
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The order Neuroptera includes the lacewings and antlions (suborder Planipennia),
dobsonflies and alderflies (suborder Megaloptera) and snakeflies (suborder Raphidoidea).
"Splitters" prefer to assign each of these groups to a separate order (Neuroptera,
Megaloptera, and Raphidioptera, respectively), based on differences in structure and
development.
The Megaloptera are always aquatic as immatures. They live under stones or submerged
vegetation and feed on a variety of small aquatic organisms. Large species, often called
hellgrammites, may require several years of growth to reach maturity. Adults usually remain
near water, although they are attracted to lights at night. In most species, the adults live
only a few days and rarely feed.
Except for larval spongillaflies (family Sisyridae) which feed on fresh-water sponges, all
members of the suborders Planipennia and Raphidoidea are terrestrial. Antlion larvae live
in the soil and construct pitfall traps to snare prey. Lacewing larvae are usually found in
vegetation where they typically feed on aphids, mites, and scale insects. Snakefly larvae
live in leaf litter or under bark and catch aphids or other soft-bodied prey. In most cases,
the adults of these insects are also predators -- the non-predatory species usually feed on
nectar, pollen, or honeydew.
The larvae of antlions and lacewings have specialized mouthparts with large, sickle-shaped
mandibles and maxillae that interlock to form pincers. Once impaled on these pincers, a
prey's body contents are sucked out through hollow food channels running between the
adjacent surfaces of the mandibles and maxillae.
As adults, all neuropterans have two pairs of membranous wings with an extensive pattern
of veins and crossveins. At rest, the wings are folded flat over the abdomen or held
tent-like over the body. Most species are rather weak fliers.
Larvae of Megaloptera are important predators in aquatic ecosystems. They also serve
as food for fish and other aquatic vertebrates. Lacewing larvae are beneficial as predators
of agricultural pests (aphids, whiteflies and scale insects). Some species are reared and
sold commercially as biocontrol agents."-- (N.C. State University Entomology Dept.)
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How to encounter |
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Adult Neuopterans can be found in many sitations. However, there are likely places
to find members of several of the families. Families whose members are aquatic will
be found near rivers and streams. This includes Corydalidae, Sialidae, and Sisyridae.
Myrmeleontids live in the soil. Therefore, one will have to dig them up in order to
find them. Members of the various lacewing families live on vegetation and thus
sweeping with nets is a good way to uncover them. However, these limited life
histories are restricted to adults. It is often far more difficult to uncover larvae.
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Links to other sites |
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References |
- Borror, D. J., Triplehorn, C. A., and Johnson, N. F. 1989 An Introduction to the Study of Insects.
pg 379. Saunders Publishing Company. Sixth Edition
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Acknowledgements |
- Aeneas Murnane, Biology Major, University of Georgia, Athens
- Thanks to Cassie, Carrie, Sabina Gupta, Denise Lim, and
Dr. John Pickering
for technical and web support in developing this page.
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