Split‐footed Lacewings

Nymphidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Neuroptera
Suborder: Myrmeleontiformia
Family: Nymphidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nymphidae: //ˈnɪmfɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Nymphidae, or split-footed lacewings, are a unique family of neuropteran insects, primarily distributed in the Australasian region, with a rich fossil record revealing a much wider historical distribution; their two subfamilies exhibit distinct morphological traits and ecological roles.

Physical Characteristics

Nymphidae are characterized by their winged form, with two major subfamilies showing different body shapes; Nymphinae larvae have elongate bodies for camouflage, while Myiodactylinae have wide, disc-shaped bodies that are arboreal.

Identification Tips

Look for distinguishing features of body shape: elongated bodies for ground-dwelling larvae of Nymphinae and wider, disc-like bodies for arboreal Myiodactylinae. The wings are typically transparent with a net-like vein structure characteristic of lacewings.

Habitat

Nymphidae are found in diverse habitats, including ground litter for Nymphinae larvae and various plants for Myiodactylinae larvae.

Distribution

Extant species are primarily found in the Australasian region, notably Australia and New Guinea, while fossil records indicate a historical presence across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Diet

The larvae are predatory, feeding on smaller insects, both in ground litter (Nymphinae) and on plants (Myiodactylinae).

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult stages, with larvae engaging in predation during their development.

Reproduction

Nymphidae reproduce through oviposition, where females lay eggs in suitable habitats to ensure their progeny have access to food sources upon hatching.

Ecosystem Role

As predators, Nymphidae play a vital role in controlling populations of smaller insects in their respective ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

Netting adult specimens near suitable habitats
Collecting larvae from ground debris or plant material

Preservation Methods

Drying specimens
Using ethanol for larval preservation

Evolution

Nymphidae stand apart from closely related Myrmeleontoidea, with a distinct lineage that has numerous extinct relatives known primarily from fossils.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Nymphidae with similar families based on morphology, despite significant evolutionary differences.