Order neuroptera

Order neuroptera

1. Order Neuroptera By : Asmat Babar www.asmatbabar.blogspot.com

2. Introduction Def: Order of hexapod insects having two pairs of large, membranous, net-veined wings. The mouth organs are adapted for chewing. They feed upon other insects, and undergo a complete metamorphosis. The ant-lion, hellgamite , and lacewing fly are examples. Formerly, the name was given to a much more extensive group, including the true Neuroptera and the Pseudoneuroptera ”

3. The name Neuroptera is derived from the Greek word "neuron "  meaning sinew and  " ptera "  meaning wings.  The modern English translation "nerve-wings" is appropriate because it alludes to the extensive branching found in the wing veins of most Neuroptera . 

4. General characteristics Long, thin, cylindrical body Large compound eyes Two pairs of similarly sized and shaped, large, membranous, net-veined wings When at rest, the wings are either held above the body in a roof-like formation A series of small “windowpanes” along the leading edge of the wings, formed by numerous parallel crossveins Multisegmented antennae Chewing mouthparts No cerci Holometabolous metamorphosis

5. Morphology Immatures   Head well-developed with ocelli , antennae, and chewing or pinching mouthparts Three pairs of thoracic legs; tarsi 1-segmented; claws paired Aquatic forms have thread-like gills on most abdominal segments

6. Adults Antennae filiform , multisegmented Chewing mouthparts Front and hind wing membranous, similar in size Extensive branching of venation in all wings; crossveins abundant especially along leading edge (costal margin)

7. Suborders of Neuroptera order Planipennia ( antlions , lacewings and their relatives) Megaloptera (alderflies and dobsonflies ) Raphidiodea ( snakeflies )

8. Important Families of Order Neuroptera Suborder Megaloptera -- aquatic predatory larvae Corydalidae ( Dobsonflies ) -- adults generally longer than 5 cm. Sialidae  (Alderflies) -- adults are smaller than dobsonflies Alderflies

9. Suborder Raphidoidea -- terrestrial predatory larvae Raphidiidae  ( Snakeflies ) -- long-necked predators of small arthropods  Snakeflies

10. Suborder Planipennia -- mostly terrestrial predatory larvae Chrysopidae  (Green lacewings) -- aphid predator Hemerobiidae  (Brown lacewings) -- aphid and mite predators Myrmeleontidae  ( Antlions ) -- doodlebugs, ant predators Green lacewings Antlions

11. Anatomy and biology Neuropterans are soft-bodied insects with relatively few specialized features. They have large lateral compound eyes, and may or may not also have ocelli . Their mouthparts have strong mandibles suitable for chewing. They have four wings, which are usually similar in size and shape, have a generalised pattern of veins.

12. The larvae are specialised predators, with elongated mandibles adapted for piercing and sucking. The larval body form varies between different families, depending on the nature of their prey.

13. Conclusion Larvae of Megaloptera are important predators in aquatic ecosystems.  They also serve as food for fish and other aquatic vertebrates.  Lacewing larvae are beneficial as predators of agricultural pests (aphids, whiteflies and scale insects).  Some species are reared and sold commercially as biocontrol agents but some species consume only nectar which cause the losses in the yield.