HOW TO KNOW THE IMMATURE INSECTS 



Sialis in- 



42a. Single claws on thoracic legs; 

 sickle-shaped mandibles and 

 maxillae. Fig. 96. 

 Family SISYRIDAE, 

 Order NEUROPTERA page 140 



This family contains some 20 spe- 

 cies of rather small insects known 

 as spongilla flies since the larvae 

 feed on Spongilla and other fresh- 

 water sponges, as well as on algae 

 and bryozoa. The small, elongate 

 eggs are laid in clusters on objects overhanging water from which the 

 larvae drop into the water upon hatching. Pupation takes place under 

 objects along shore or within the soil above the water line. The pupa 

 is covered with a double walled silken cocoon. 



Perhaps less than 5000 species of Neuroptera are known and many 

 of these are rare. Some of the larvae are helpful friends of man. Only 

 a few of the families have larvae that are aquatic but all the families 

 are similar in having pupae that are enclosed in a rather spherical 

 cocoon. 



42b. Single claws with spur or spine about the base; chewing mouth 

 parts , 43 



Fig. 96. Smoky alderfly, 

 fumota Newman. 



43a. Thoracic legs elbowed and may possess stout 

 spines at base of claw; prolegs and cerci may 

 occur at caudal end of abdomen; aquatic forms 

 may possess abdominal gills. 

 Fig. 97 Order COLEOPTERA page 72 



This odd appearing larva belongs to the crawling 

 water beetles (family Haliplidae), and is similar to 

 other members of the family. They are small and 

 slender and not likely to be observed unless one is 

 looking for them. 



Fig. 97. Pelto- 

 dytes sp. 



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48 



