Neuroptera

Definition

An order of holometabolous insects comprising the lacewings, antlions, mantidflies, and allies, characterized by adults bearing two pairs of membranous wings with dense, net-like venation (the source of the name, from Greek neuron 'nerve' and pteron 'wing'), and by predatory habits in both adult and larval stages. The order contains approximately 4,000–6,000 described species and is grouped with Megaloptera and Raphidioptera in the superorder Neuropterida.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neûron, 'sinew, nerve, cord') + πτερόν (pterón, 'wing'), referring to the intricate, net-like pattern of wing veins.

Example

Green lacewings (Chrysopidae) are familiar Neuroptera in agricultural settings, where their larvae—known as aphid lions—are valued biocontrol agents that consume large numbers of aphids and other soft-bodied pests.

Synonyms

• net-winged insects

Related Terms

• Neuropterida
• Megaloptera
• Raphidioptera
• Hemerobiiformia
• Myrmeleontiformia
• Chrysopidae
• Myrmeleontidae
• Mantispidae
• holometabolous
• campodeiform

Usage Notes

Neuroptera is sometimes used in a broader historical sense to include Megaloptera and Raphidioptera, but modern classifications restrict it to the lacewing-antlion-mantidfly assemblage. The order is distinguished from similar-appearing orders (e.g., Odonata, Hymenoptera) by its combination of net-veined wings, holometabolous development, and lacewing-like adult posture with wings typically folded roof-like or flat over the abdomen. Larvae are generally campodeiform (elongate, active predators) with distinctive piercing-sucking mouthparts.