Spoon-winged Lacewings

Nemopteridae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Neuroptera
Suborder: Hemerobiiformia
Family: Nemopteridae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nemopteridae: /nɛˌmɒpˈtɛrɪdiː/

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Summary

Nemopteridae, also known as spoon-wings or thread-winged antlions, are a family of neuropteran insects characterized by their unique wing structure and delicate flight patterns. They are distributed across several biogeographic realms but are absent in North America.

Physical Characteristics

Nemopteridae exhibit delicate flight with conspicuously elongated and spatulate hindwings. Males possess a bulla on the wing used for pheromone dispersion.

Identification Tips

Look for their unique elongated hindwings and the bulla on male wings.

Habitat

Mostly found in arid desert zones; species from the Crocinae subfamily prefer narrow habitats whereas Nemopterinae are more diverse and can inhabit different environments.

Distribution

Present in the Ethiopian, Palearctic, Australasian, and Neotropical realms; absent in North America (although a fossil has been found in Colorado).