Psychopsidae

Definition

A family of lacewings (order Neuroptera) commonly called silky lacewings, characterized by broad, densely hairy wings that give a silky or woolly appearance, and by reduced wing venation compared to other neuropterans. Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to light; larvae are presumed to be cryptic, possibly living under bark or in leaf litter.

Etymology

From Psychopsis (type genus, from Greek psychē 'soul, butterfly' + opsis 'appearance') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Psychopsis elegans, a widespread Australian species, displays the family's characteristic broad, hair-fringed wings that appear distinctly silky when viewed under magnification.

Synonyms

• silky lacewings (common name)

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Hemerobioidea
• Chrysopidae
• Lacewings
• Psychopsis

Usage Notes

Formerly placed in the superfamily Hemerobioidea; current phylogenetic placement within Neuroptera remains under study. The family is relatively small (~70 extant species) and primarily distributed in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, southern Africa, Southeast Asia). Not to be confused with Psychodidae (a family of moth flies in order Diptera).