Hemerobiidae

Definition

A family of small Neuropteran insects commonly known as brown lacewings, comprising approximately 500 species in 28 genera. Adults are typically yellow to dark brown (rarely green), with forewings 4–10 mm long, and are distinguished from the related green lacewings (Chrysopidae) by their coloration and wing venation: hemerobiids possess numerous long veins and forked costal crossveins. Larvae are generally less setose than chrysopid larvae. Some species exhibit wing reduction and flightlessness; adults of the subfamily Drepanepteryginae are leaf mimics. The family has a global but uneven distribution, with many genera restricted to single biogeographical realms.

Etymology

From the type genus Hemerobius (Greek hēmerobios, 'living but a day; ephemeral') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Hemerobiids such as Micromus tasmaniae are important aphid predators in agricultural systems, though less studied than their green lacewing relatives.

Synonyms

• Brown lacewings

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Chrysopidae
• Green lacewings
• Hemerobius
• Micromus
• Drepanepteryx
• wing venation
• leaf mimicry
• aphid predator

Usage Notes

Often contrasted with Chrysopidae (green lacewings) in identification keys and ecological studies. The family is placed in the superfamily Hemerobioidea, suborder Hemerobiiformia. Specialist literature emphasizes wing venation characters for distinguishing the two families.