dusty-wings
Coniopteryx is a genus of dusty-wing lacewings in the family Coniopterygidae. Adults are tiny insects covered with a powdery white wax coating produced by specialized abdominal glands. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and is active during winter months when most other insects are dormant. Larvae are important predators of spider mites, scale insects, and whiteflies.
Eastern Spotted-winged Antlion, Spotted-winged Antlion
Dendroleon obsoletus, commonly known as the Eastern Spotted-winged Antlion, is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are distinguished by spotted wing patterns. The species occurs across North America, with larvae inhabiting sandy soils beneath rock ledges and other sheltered areas where they construct pit traps to capture prey.
Dendroleon speciosus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Banks in 1905. It is found in North America. Antlions are neuropteran insects whose larvae are known for constructing pit traps to capture prey.
antlions
Dendroleontinae is a subfamily of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) established by Banks in 1899. The subfamily contains multiple tribes including Acanthoplectrini, Bandidini, Dendroleontini, Nuglerini, Periclystini, and Voltorini, with diverse genera distributed across Asia, Africa, and Madagascar. Recent systematic revisions have clarified complex taxonomic histories, particularly for genera such as Epacanthaclisis and Gatzara, using combined morphological and molecular approaches. Species within this subfamily exhibit specialized morphological characters and have been subjects of biogeographic studies related to Himalayan uplift and island formation in East Asia.
Dicromantispa is a genus of mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species. Mantidflies in this genus are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. They are attracted to artificial light sources and are active during warmer months. The genus was established by Hoffman in 2002.
Say's mantidfly
Dicromantispa sayi, commonly known as Say's mantidfly, is a small predatory insect in the family Mantispidae. Adults measure 14–15 mm and are recognized by their raptorial forelegs resembling those of praying mantises. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females typically darker than males. It is found across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it inhabits forest edges and prairies. Adults are active from mid-July through early September, peaking at the end of July. The species has a specialized life cycle in which larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs.
Entanoneura is a genus of mantidflies (family Mantispidae) in the order Neuroptera. These insects are characterized by their raptorial forelegs, which resemble those of praying mantises and are used to capture prey. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1910. As with other mantidflies, members of Entanoneura are predatory insects with complex life cycles that often involve parasitism of spider eggs.
Eremochrysa minora is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1935. It was originally placed in the genus Chrysopiella but is now classified under Eremochrysa. The species is known from North America. Like other green lacewings, it belongs to a group of predatory insects valued for their role in biological control.
Eremochrysa pallida is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1911. It is native to the western United States. Like other members of its family, it is a predatory insect, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been historically classified under the genus Chrysopiella before its current placement in Eremochrysa.
Eremoleon is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Nathan Banks in 1901. The genus contains approximately 36 species distributed from the southern United States through Central America. As with other antlions, larvae are predatory and construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey.
Eremoleon femoralis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1942. The genus Eremoleon comprises antlions associated with arid and sandy habitats. This species occurs in North America and Middle America, though detailed natural history information remains limited. Antlions in this genus are typically found in dry environments where their larvae construct pit traps in loose soil to capture prey.
Euptilon arizonense is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera. Originally described as Psammoleon arizonensis by Banks in 1935, it was later transferred to the genus Euptilon. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Antlions in this genus are typically associated with sandy habitats where their larvae construct pit traps to capture prey.
Euptilon decipiens is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1935. It is part of the diverse neuropteran fauna of North America. Like other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae are ground-dwelling ambush predators that construct pit traps in sandy soils. The species is documented from distribution records in North America, though detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Euptilon normale is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1942. The genus Euptilon comprises small to medium-sized antlions characterized by their slender bodies and relatively simple wing venation patterns. This species occurs in North and Middle America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Euptilon ornatum is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Drury in 1773. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Antlions in this family are predatory insects known for their distinctive larval pit traps, though specific behaviors for this species have not been separately documented.
Euptilon sinuatum is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) first described by Currie in 1903. Antlions are predatory insects in the order Neuroptera, known for their distinctive larval forms that construct pit traps to capture prey. The genus Euptilon belongs to a group of antlions with adult characteristics that differ from the more commonly known pit-digging Myrmeleon species. This species has been documented in both Central and North America.
Picture-winged Antlions
Glenurus is a New World genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, comprising approximately 12 described species. The genus is distinguished by striking wing patterning, with some species displaying black, white, and pink wingtips. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but possess short, thick, clubbed antennae. The common name "picture-winged antlions" refers to this distinctive wing coloration.
pleasing picture-winged antlion, doodlebug
Glenurus gratus is a North American antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, commonly known as the pleasing picture-winged antlion. Adults are recognized by distinctive black, white, and pink wing markings. Unlike pit-digging antlions in the genus Myrmeleon, larvae of Glenurus gratus bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing conical traps.
Western Picture-winged Antlion
Glenurus luniger is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distinguished by its striking wing pattern with black, white, and pink wingtips. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Adults are rarely observed due to their cryptic behavior, while larvae are predatory and inhabit sandy soils. The common name "Western Picture-winged Antlion" reflects both its geographic range and distinctive wing markings.
Snow's Picture-winged Antlion
Glenurus snowii is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Like other members of its genus, adults are distinguished by striking black, white, and pink wingtips. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Larval biology is presumed similar to other antlions, though specific details for this species are not well documented.
Gnopholeon is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae) established by Stange in 1970. As a member of the neuropteran order, this genus comprises predatory insects whose larvae construct pit traps to capture prey. The genus is poorly documented in public literature, with limited species-level information available.
Haploglenius flavicornis is an owlfly species in the family Ascalaphidae, first described by McLachlan in 1871. The species is distributed in Middle America. Taxonomic confusion exists in the literature, with the same scientific name having been applied to unrelated wasp species; the name Brachyelatus flavicornis used for Australian chalcid wasps represents a separate taxon and is not a valid synonym.
Brown Lacewings
Hemerobiidae is a family of Neuropteran insects comprising approximately 500 species in 28 genera, commonly known as brown lacewings. Adults are typically yellow to dark brown in coloration, with some species exhibiting green hues. They are small insects, with most species having forewings 4–10 mm in length, though some reach up to 18 mm. Both larvae and adults are predatory, feeding primarily on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The family is distinguished from the similar Chrysopidae (green lacewings) by wing venation patterns, specifically the presence of numerous long veins with two or more radial sectors and forked costal cross veins. Some species have been employed as biological control agents, including Micromus tasmaniae which is commercially bred for pest management.
Lacewings and Allies
Hemerobiiformia is a suborder of Neuroptera comprising lacewings, mantidflies, and related families. Traditional classifications grouped these insects separately from antlions and owlflies (Myrmeleontiformia), but 2014 phylogenetic studies using mitochondrial DNA revealed Hemerobiiformia to be paraphyletic, with some lineages more closely related to Myrmeleontiformia than to other Hemerobiiformia. The Osmyloidea, previously placed here, appears to represent a basal lineage outside both groups. The suborder includes families such as Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings), Chrysopidae (green lacewings), and Mantispidae (mantidflies).
brown lacewings
Hemerobiinae is a subfamily of brown lacewings within the family Hemerobiidae, containing approximately 5 genera and at least 60 described species. The subfamily includes the genera Hemerobius, Wesmaelius, Nusalala, Nesobiella, and Hemerobiella. Members are small to medium-sized neuropterans characterized by their brownish coloration and reduced wing venation compared to green lacewings. They are primarily predatory and have been documented across diverse geographic regions.
brown lacewings
Hemerobius is a genus of brown lacewings in the family Hemerobiidae, distributed across Europe and North America. Adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on small arthropods including aphids, scale insects, and insect eggs. The genus includes species that overwinter as adults and are active in early spring. Larvae spin loose, coarse cocoons for pupation, with some species exhibiting extended quiescent periods before emergence.
brown lacewing
Hemerobius humulinus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It has a broad distribution spanning Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species overwinters as an adult and becomes active in early spring. Like other brown lacewings, it is a predator of aphids and other small insects.
moth lacewings, giant lacewings
Ithonidae is a small family of neuropteran insects comprising ten living genera and over a dozen extinct genera known from fossils. The family represents one of the most primitive lineages within Neuroptera. Adults are medium to large-sized with distinctive wing venation. Larvae exhibit a highly unusual grub-like (scarabaeiform) body form with stout mandibles, unique among lacewings, and lead a subterranean lifestyle. The modern distribution is notably disjunct, with genera occurring in Australia, the Americas, and Asia, while fossil evidence indicates a formerly broader global range from the Early Jurassic to Late Eocene.
green lacewings
Leucochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, containing approximately 196 described species as of 2013. The genus is restricted to the Americas and is characterized by distinctive larval behaviors including trash-carrying and defensive conglobulation. Adults exhibit color polymorphism, and some species deposit eggs in clusters. Larvae of at least some species are known to carry debris on their backs for camouflage and protection.
American Lacewing
Leucochrysa americana is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1897. The genus Leucochrysa is distinguished from other chrysopids by its white markings rather than the red or yellow markings common in related genera. Larvae in this genus are known for carrying debris and other materials on their backs as camouflage, a behavior that has been documented in the related species Leucochrysa pavida. The species occurs in North and Middle America.
Florida Lacewing
Leucochrysa floridana is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The genus Leucochrysa belongs to the subgenus Nodita, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. Adults are predatory insects commonly found in various habitats across the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Larvae of related species in this genus are known for carrying debris on their backs as camouflage.
green lacewing
Leucochrysa insularis is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The species is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. It belongs to a family commonly known for their delicate appearance and predatory habits as both larvae and adults. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1853.
Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing
Leucochrysa pavida is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, distributed across North America, Central America, and South America. Its larvae are notable for carrying lichen and other debris as camouflage, a behavior that distinguishes them from many other chrysopid larvae. The species was first described by Hagen in 1861 and has been studied for its distinctive defensive behaviors.
Nearctic Beaded Lacewings
Lomamyia is a genus of beaded lacewings (family Berothidae) containing approximately 11 described species, all native to the Nearctic region. Larvae are specialized predators of termites, incapacitating prey with a chemical spray emitted from the anus—a unique defensive and predatory mechanism among Neuroptera. The genus is notable for having the first published complete life history record for the family Berothidae, based on detailed study of Lomamyia latipennis.
Lomamyia banksi is a species of beaded lacewing in the family Berothidae, order Neuroptera. First described by Carpenter in 1940, this species belongs to a genus known for distinctive predatory larvae that possess unique chemical hunting mechanisms. The species has been recorded from North America, with observations documented in Colorado. Like other members of Lomamyia, the larvae are likely specialized predators, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Lomamyia occidentalis is a species of beaded lacewing in the family Berothidae, order Neuroptera. It is native to North America and was first described by Nathan Banks in 1905. The species belongs to a small family of lacewings characterized by specialized morphological features. Very little published biological or ecological information is available for this specific species.
Lomamyia squamosa is a species of beaded lacewing in the family Berothidae, first described by Carpenter in 1940. It belongs to the order Neuroptera, which includes lacewings, antlions, and their relatives. The species is known from North America, with iNaturalist documenting over 500 observations. Like other members of its family, it is likely predatory in both adult and larval stages, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
mantidflies, mantispids, mantid lacewings, mantis-flies
Mantispidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 400 species in around 400 genera, distributed worldwide with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Adults are predators characterized by raptorial forelegs—convergent with mantises but independently evolved—used to capture small arthropod prey. The family exhibits diverse larval life histories: Mantispinae are ectoparasitoids of spider egg sacs; Symphrasinae parasitize ground-nesting hymenopterans and scarab beetle larvae; Calomantispinae are predatory on small arthropods; and Drepanicinae life history remains largely unknown. First-instar larvae (planidia) employ specialized host-location strategies including direct penetration of egg sacs or phoretic transport on female spiders.
brown lacewings
Megalomus is a genus of brown lacewings (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) comprising more than 40 described species distributed across northern and central Europe, with some species extending into North America. The genus includes the Bordered Brown Lacewing (M. hirtus), the only Megalomus species recorded in the UK and a conservation priority in Scotland. Species in this genus are small, typically around 1 cm in length, with distinctive wing venation including a notably broad costal space and multiple branching radial veins.
Megalomus carpenteri is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, a group of predatory insects commonly known as brown lacewings. The species was described in 1997 and is native to North America. The specific epithet honors paleoentomologist Frank M. Carpenter for his contributions to the taxonomy of Neuroptera.
brown lacewing
Megalomus fidelis is a species of brown lacewing (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) described by Banks in 1897. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. As a member of the Megalomus genus, it belongs to a group of lacewings generally associated with forested and wooded habitats. The species has been documented through observation records, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Megalomus moestus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1895. It is distributed across North America and Central America. As a member of the Megalomus genus, it shares characteristics with other brown lacewings, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Meleoma emuncta is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, originally described by Fitch in 1855 as Chrysopa emuncta. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Meleoma, a group of lacewings characterized by distinctive wing venation patterns. The species occurs in North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Like other chrysopids, adults are likely predatory or nectar-feeding, but specific ecological roles have not been well documented.
Meleoma hageni is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1949. The genus Meleoma is a small, distinctive group within the Chrysopidae, characterized by reduced wing venation and other specialized morphological features that separate it from the more common green lacewings of the genus Chrysoperla. Species in this genus are poorly known compared to their economically important relatives, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Meleoma signoretti is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It belongs to a genus distinguished by modified, often pectinate or clubbed male antennae. The species is part of a diverse group of predatory insects commonly known as lacewings. Limited published information exists on its specific biology.
Menkeleon is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Stange in 1970. The genus contains a single described species, Menkeleon bellulus, which occurs in the Western United States and Mexico. Antlions in this family are characterized by their predatory larval stage, which typically construct pit traps to capture prey.
Mexoleon is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae) containing at least two described species: M. mixtecus and M. papago. The genus was established by Stange in 1994. Like other antlions, adults are neuropteran insects with large, transparent wings, while larvae are predatory and construct pit traps in sandy substrates.
brown lacewings
Micromus is a genus of small brown lacewings in the family Hemerobiidae, containing over 80 and possibly as many as 170 species. These 4–10 mm insects are distributed worldwide and are important predators of agricultural and horticultural pests. Both larvae and adults are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insects and mites. Several species, particularly Micromus tasmaniae, have been mass-reared and deployed as biological control agents.
brown lacewing
Micromus angulatus is a predatory brown lacewing (Hemerobiidae) distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. Both larvae and adults are active predators of aphids and other small soft-bodied insects, with third-instar larvae and female adults showing particularly high predation rates. The species has been extensively studied as a biological control agent against agricultural pests including Aphis craccivora, Illinoia lambersi, and Myzus persicae. Laboratory studies demonstrate temperature-dependent predation efficiency, with stable adult performance across 15–25°C and enhanced larval activity at warmer temperatures. A chromosome-level genome assembly of 1.29 Gb has been published, supporting its potential for augmentative biological control programs.
Northern Brown Lacewing
Micromus borealis is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, described by Klimaszewski & Kevan in 1988. It is native to North America. As a member of the brown lacewings, it is a predatory insect in both adult and larval stages. The species is distinguished from other Micromus species by specific morphological characteristics of its wing venation and body structure.