Neuroptera Species

About Neuroptera Species: 

• Indophanes barbara
  • It is an antlion belonging to the Myrmeleontidae family.
  • The larva of Indophanes barbara does not build pits like common antlion species.
  • They live under the surface in loose soils where they are protected from direct sunlight, wind and rain.
  • Adults of Indophanes barbara are misidentified as damselflies by non-taxonomists because of their morphological resemblance.
  • It can be easily distinguished by their long distinct antennae.
  • They come under Order Neuroptera, which includes holometabolous insects while the damselflies come under Order Odonata, which includes hemimetabolous insects
• Glenochrysa zeylanica
  • It is a green lacewing of Chrysopidae family in Order Neuroptera.
  • It was rediscovered after 111 years from Mananthavady and Thirunelly in Wayanad district.
  • This species, previously thought to be endemic to Sri Lanka, has been rediscovered from the State and reported for the first time from India.

What is a Neuroptera Species?

• It is any of a group of insects commonly called lacewings because of the complex vein patterns in the wings, giving them a lacy appearance.
• Habitat: Neuropteran adults are terrestrial and mostly associated with the aerial parts of plants, where they settle or hunt for prey.
• Ecological Significance: Due to their predatory behaviour, Neuropterans are used in agriculture. The voracious feeding capability, as well as active mobile prey-searching behaviour revealed by the larvae of species particularly of Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, and Coniopterygidae makes them active biological control agents of most important pests of agriculture and horticulture.

Q1: What is Damselfly?

It is any of a group of predatory, aerial insects that are in the order Odonata. Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings. They are generally smaller, more delicate, and fly weakly in comparison with dragonflies.

Source: TH