Coniopterygidae

Definition

A family of minute neuropteran insects (order Neuroptera, superfamily Coniopterygoidea) commonly called dustywings or dusty lacewings. Adults and larvae are typically 2–5 mm, covered with a waxy, powdery secretion that gives them a mealy or dusty appearance. The family contains approximately 460 described species in three subfamilies (Aleuropteryginae, Brucheiserinae, Coniopteryginae). Adults are distinguished from other lacewings by reduced wing venation with few crossveins, and species-level identification usually requires microscopic examination of genitalic structures.

Etymology

From the type genus Coniopteryx (Greek konis 'dust' + pteryx 'wing') + family suffix -idae.

Example

Coniopterygidae larvae are specialist predators of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) and other small sternorrhynchan Hemiptera, making them important natural control agents in orchards and forests; their waxy coating protects them from honeydew and ant aggression.

Synonyms

• Dustywings
• dusty lacewings

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Coniopterygoidea
• Coniopteryx
• Aleuropteryginae
• Brucheiserinae
• Coniopteryginae
• Lacewings
• scale insect predator
• Hemerobiidae
• Chrysopidae
• wing venation
• genitalic morphology

Usage Notes

Sometimes misspelled 'Coniopterygidae' with variant endings. The common name 'dustywing' refers to the conspicuous waxy secretion; this is not to be confused with 'mealybugs' (Pseudococcidae, Hemiptera), which are unrelated pests with similar appearance. Coniopterygidae are among the smallest Neuroptera and are frequently overlooked in field surveys; they are best collected by beating vegetation or suction sampling. The family is cosmopolitan but most diverse in temperate regions. Identification to genus is often possible with a hand lens by wing venation patterns, but species-level work requires slide-mounted genitalia.