Spongilla Lacewings

Sisyridae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sisyridae: /sɪˈsaɪrɪdiː/

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Images

Summary

Sisyridae, or spongeflies, are a family of winged insects known for their unique larvae which live in freshwater sponges. Adults are nocturnal and resemble lacewings, while larvae exhibit distinct features such as movable tracheal gills.

Physical Characteristics

Adults resemble brown lacewings with wings spanning 4–10 mm; greyish or brownish wings with few cross veins, not forked. Larvae have spindly legs on a bulky thorax, long antennae, and threadlike mouthparts. Second and third instars have seven pairs of jointed, movable tracheal gills underneath the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Distinctive larvae with ventral abdominal gills and long straight jaws; adults superficially resemble brown lacewings.

Habitat

Freshwater environments, particularly around lakes and slow-moving rivers where freshwater sponges are present.

Diet

Adults are omnivorous, scavenging on decomposing invertebrates, pollen, and honeydew; larvae feed primarily on freshwater sponges and bryozoans.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on vegetation over water and develop into aquatic larvae which pupate after several weeks to one year, often overwintering as larvae.

Reproduction

Females deposit eggs singly or in small clutches on drooping vegetation, spinning a protective web over them.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae play a role in aquatic ecosystems by feeding on sponges and bryozoans, which can influence the health of these populations.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping for adults
Hand collecting larvae from sponges

Preservation Methods

Drying specimens
Freezing larvae to preserve structure

Evolution

Previously classified with osmylids due to larval similarities; currently recognized as closer to brown lacewings and dustywings, suggesting convergent evolution.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with osmylid larvae, but can be distinguished by the presence of unique abdominal gills in instars II-III.