Categories » Lacewings, Antlions, Dobsenflies

Order: Neuroptera: Derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning sinew and "ptera" meaning wings. The modern English translation "nerve-wings" is appropriate because it alludes to the extensive branching found in the wing veins of most Neuroptera. They are predators of many pest insects, especially in larval stage.

Lacewings: Delicate as adults, the larvae are "aphid lions" with tong-like jaws that skewer prey and suck them dry. Eggs are laid on delicate stalks.