Nemopteridae

Definition

A family of lacewings (order Neuroptera) distinguished by extremely elongated, ribbon-like or spoon-shaped hindwings in most species, giving rise to the common names 'spoonwings' and 'thread-winged antlions.' Adults are often nectar-feeders with reduced mouthparts, while larvae are typically grub-like, soil-dwelling predators with fossorial forelegs. The family comprises approximately 150 species distributed across the Ethiopian, Palearctic, Australasian, and Neotropical realms, with notable absence from North America and much of Asia.

Etymology

From Nemoptera (type genus, from Greek nemos 'wooded pasture' + pteron 'wing') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The Australian genus Chasmoptera exhibits the family's characteristic hindwing elongation, with the ribbon-like extensions trailing behind the flying adult like streamers.

Synonyms

• spoonwings
• thread-winged antlions
• thread-winged lacewings

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Myrmeleontiformia
• Nemopteroidea
• Nemoptera
• Chasmoptera
• lacewing
• antlion
• ascalaphid

Usage Notes

The common name 'thread-winged antlions' is potentially misleading; Nemopteridae are neuropterans related to antlions (Myrmeleontidae) but form a distinct lineage within Myrmeleontiformia. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Nemopterinae (spoon-shaped hindwings, primarily Old World) and Crocinae (thread-like hindwings, broader distribution). Larval biology remains poorly known for many genera. Not to be confused with Ascalaphidae (owlflies), which also have 'thread-winged' common names but possess very different adult morphology and predatory larvae.