Order Neuroptera (Lacewings)

Code QN049999

Small lacewings formerly placed in the Sisyridae (sponge-flies). Members of this family are aquatic or semi-aquatic and associated with fast flowing streams, but are not known to prey on sponges.

Neurorthid larvae are elongate. The prominent mandibles are curved inward at the tips. The prothorax is narrow and necklike, and the abdomen carries two thin caudal filaments. There are no external abdominal gills but sparse long setae occur on the head and thorax and lateral sparse tufts on each abdominal segment.

References:

New, T.R. (1991) Neuroptera. pp. 525-542. In: CSIRO, Insects of Australia . Volume 1. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.

Williams, W.D. (1980) Australian Freshwater Life: The Invertebrates of Australian Inland Waters. The Macmillan Company of Australia, Melbourne.