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The
Diversity of The World of Life
True
Insects (Insecta)
Lacewings
etc.
(Neuroptera)
Representatives
Lacewings,
including Aphidlions
Antlions
Owlflies
Biology
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF KNOWN SPECIES WORLDWIDE
Several
thousand
DESCRIPTION
Lacewings etc. are usually medium- to large-sized.
The antennae are long and threadlike, clubbed, or comblike.
The mouthparts are chewing. The
two pairs of membranous wings are similar in size and shape, covered with an
intricate network of strong veins, and usually held rooflike over the body
at rest.
METAMORPHOSIS
The larvae are usually active predators with long jaws;
they sometimes even cannibalize each other (The eggs of lacewings are laid
safely atop silken stalks). The pupa is in a silk cocoon.
HABITATS
A relative few of the larvae are found in freshwater; most
are found on land, especially on plants.
The adults, which typically "flit" around (rather
clumsily) while
flying, are often found around lights at night.
FOODS
Most of the larvae and adults prey on other invertebrates,
especially insects. Aphidlions
actively hunt-down prey; antlions sometimes lie in wait at the
bottom of a sandy pit for passing prey; and owlfly larvae simply hide under debris
to ambush prey.
DAMAGES/BENEFITS
Many
of the larvae and adults eat many plant-damaging pests,
such as aphids; lacewings are even raised and sold for that purpose.
True
Insects (Insecta)
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