Other Common Names
net-winged insects, lacewings
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Neuroptera has traditionally been split into three suborders: Planipennia (lacewings, antlions, owlflies, etc.), Megaloptera (alderflies, dobsonflies, fishflies), and Raphidiodea (snakeflies); these groups have now been given full order status, named Neuroptera,
Megaloptera, and
Raphidioptera respectively. The
ITIS entry for "Planipennia" explains it thus:
Planipennia is mostly used as a suborder of Neuroptera when Megaloptera and Rhaphidioptera are also considered suborders (e.g. Arnett, 2000). Following Aspöck et al. (2001), we use Megaloptera, Neuroptera and Rhaphidioptera as three separate orders of the Superorder Neuropterida. In this sense, Planipennia is a synonym of Neuroptera.
Numbers
Largest order of the Neuropterida, with at least 11 major families
(2).
4670 species worldwide; 338 in N. America
Size
Typically 10-40 mm, some groups to 80 mm
Identification
Superorder Neuropterida:
Four membranous wings: FW and HW about same size or HW a little wider at base;
wings usually held rooflike over body at rest; wings generally with many veins:
Antennae long, many-segmented, threadlike, pectinate or clubbed. Some examples:
Tarsi 5-segmented
Cerci absent
Mouthparts chewing
Some groups with simple eyes (ocelli), others without--useful in distinguishing families
Complete metamorphosis
Order Neuroptera:
A diverse group, small to large. Key characters:
Forewings and hindwings similar in size and shape
Prothorax not lengthened, except in Mantispidae
Larvae terrestrial, not aquatic, except in
SisyridaeFood
Larvae predaceous. Adults often predaceous as well.
Life Cycle
Neuropterida:
Larvae are
campodeiform (crawler), and usually have large mandibles. Majority terrestrial but a few aquatic. Larvae usually predaceous. Pupation usually occurs in a silken cocoon.
Neuroptera:
Larvae terrestrial in most groups. (Exception:
Sisyridae - Spongeflies, have aquatic larvae.) Typical life cycle is illustrated:
Remarks
Many, especially lacewings, are valuable in keeping pests, such as aphids, under control.
See Also
Related groups in Superorder Neuropterida:
Megaloptera - Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies
Raphidioptera - Snakeflies
Neuroptera - Antlions, Lacewings and Allies
Internet References
Insects of Cedar Creek page on neuroptera--links to pages on each family
Bibliography of the Neuropterida---searchable bibliography--updated 12 April 2009
ubc.ca Biodiversity Checklist of Neuroptera of British Columbia
www.WindsOfKansas.com Lots of information and images
