Dilaridae

Definition

A family of lacewing insects (order Neuroptera) commonly called pleasing lacewings, characterized by relatively broad, often patterned wings and a somewhat moth-like appearance. The family comprises two subfamilies, Dilarinae and Nallachiinae, and is currently placed in the monophyletic superfamily Dilaroidea, though its exact phylogenetic position relative to Mantispoidea and Osmyloidea remains under study.

Etymology

From the type genus Dilar + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Adult Dilaridae are frequently attracted to light traps in Mediterranean and subtropical regions, where species such as those in the genus Dilar can be distinguished from other Neuroptera by their distinctive wing venation and the presence of simple, non-pectinate antennae in both sexes.

Synonyms

• pleasing lacewings (common name)

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Hemerobioidea
• Dilaroidea
• Mantispoidea
• lacewing
• Dilarinae
• Nallachiinae
• Euneuroptera

Usage Notes

Formerly classified within the paraphyletic superfamily Hemerobioidea; recent phylogenetic studies have repositioned the family. The common name "pleasing lacewings" reflects their attractive wing patterns. Dilaridae are distinguished from related families such as Berothidae (beaded lacewings) by wing venation details and larval morphology, though the two families are sometimes confused in older literature.