Order NEUROPTERA. 



In its original or Linnsean scope this order included all the net or 

 nerve -winged insects, hence was easy of definition. It is the most ancient 

 of all the orders in this sense and the course of evolutionary divergence 

 left its mark in the form of remnants, retaining the original wing type, 

 but differing greatly in other respects. Recognizing its composite char- 

 acter, the first attempt to divide it was upon the method of transforma- 

 tion, and we had Pseudoneuroptera in which the metamorphoses were 

 incomplete, and Neuroptera in which they were complete. This was un- 

 satisfactory, because nothing in the adult indicated the character of its 

 transformation and also because there were a number of transitional 

 forms which were not easily classified. Hence the modern tendency to 

 give each compact group ordinal rank, and that I consider the correct 

 solution. There is as yet no entire agreement as to just where the lines 

 of division should be made, and, while I have in general followed the 

 classification in Mr. Nathan Banks' Catalogue of 1907, I have adopted the 

 ordinal divisions that were indicated by my own studies along the lines 

 of the introduction to this work. The ordinal terms are in general those 

 used by Prof. Comstock. 



As the order Neuroptera is limited here it contains insects that have a 

 moderately compact thorax, the prothorax being well developed yet im- 

 movably connected with the mesothorax whatever its size, and no dis- 

 tinct neck between it and the head. There are four large net-veined 

 wings which are not folded and are carried obliquely or roof-like when 

 at rest. They are not densely hairy in any case, there is little or no dif- 

 ference in texture between the two pairs and usually not much in size. 

 All of them are terrestrial in all stages and all are predatory in character 

 as larva, although in one case at least with a tendency to parasitism, and 

 in all there is a complete metamorphosis. 



Several families occur in New Jersey, differing considerably in habits 

 and appearance and most of them of small extent. 



The Mantispidas have only two representatives remarkable looking 

 forms with long prothorax and immense clasping fore-legs, much resemb- 

 ling the "Ma.ntidge" of the Orthoptera. The larvae prey upon the eggs 

 of spiders and are semi-parasitic, living in the egg-sac and becoming 

 grub-like in form. 



The Henierobiidas resemble the Chrysopidas except that they are brown 

 instead of green in color, and the larvge, for their own protection, make 

 sacs composed of the skins of their victims and dirt particles held to- 

 gether by threads of silk. 



The Chrysopidae, termed "lace-wing" or "golden-eyed flies" as adults, 

 and "aphis lions" as larvae, are well represented with us and distinctly 

 useful. The term "aphis lion" refers to the habits of the larvae which are 

 spindle-shaped, a little flattened, with prominent, long mandibles which 

 are grooved on the inner side. This larva grasps a plant-louse, punctures 

 it and draws in its juices, the body being thrown away when exhausted. 



< 59) 



