NEUROPTERA 



307 



Family CONIOPTERYGID^ 

 The Mealy-winged Neuroptera 



The Coniopterygidas is a family of limited extent; and it includes 

 only small insects, the smallest of the Neuroptera; the described 

 American species measure only 3 mm. or less in length. They are 

 characterized by a reduced wing-venation (Fig. 349) and by having 

 the body and wings covered by a whitish powder. 



While the adults resemble very slightly other neuropterous insects, 

 the larvae resemble those of the Hemerobiidae and allied families in 

 form, in the structure of their mouth-parts, in their predacious habits, 

 and in their metamorphosis. 



The larvae have been seen to feed upon coccids, aphids, and the 

 eggs of the red-spider; they doubtless feed on other small insects. 

 When full-grown they make a double cocoon consisting of an outer 

 fiat layer and an inner spherical case. 



Mr. Nathan Banks ('07) has published a revision of the species 

 that have been found in our fauna. This includes eight species, 

 representing five genera. 



