INTRODUCTION 



The order Neuroptera, although of small extent, comprises 

 several well-known and beautiful groups of insects, amongst 

 which may be specially mentioned the Termites, Dragon- 

 flies, May-flies, Ant-lions, Lacewing-flies, and Caddis-flies. 

 The habits, structure, and transformations of all these 

 insects are exceedingly varied, so that if somewhat limited, 

 so far as the number of actual species is concerned, the 

 present order cannot be said to be lacking in interest. 



The name Neuroptera is derived from the two Greek 

 words, vevpov, a nerve, and irrepov, a wing, and has reference 

 to the beautiful network with which the wings of most of 

 these insects are ornamented. These nervures, or veins, 

 form a very numerous series of cells, or areolets, and far 

 exceed in number the cells in the wings of any other 

 insects. 



The Neuroptera may be briefly defined as follows : — 



"Imago with biting mouth; with two pairs of wings, 

 the anterior as well as the posterior membranous, usually 

 with extensive neuration, consisting of elongate nervures, and 

 either of short cross-nervules forming numerous cells or of 

 a complex mesh-work. (One division, Mallophaga, consists 

 entirely of wingless forms ; in the Termitidce some of the 

 individuals of each generation become winged, but otJiers do 

 not : except in these cases adult ivingless forms are few.) 

 The metamorphosis differs in the several divisions " (Sharp). 



The order consists of the following eleven families :— 



Family 1. Mallophaga (Bird-lice). 

 '2. Embiidse. 



3. Termitidae (White Ants, Termites). 



4. Psocidae (Book-lice, Death Watches). 



5. Perlidae (Stone-flies). 



6. Odonata (Dragon-flies). 



7. Ephemeridae (May-flies). 



8. Sialida? (Alder-flies and Snake-flies). 



9. Panorpidae (Scorpion-flies). 



10. Hemerobiidae (Ant-lions, Lacewing-flies, &c.) 



11. Phryganeidae (Caddis-flies). 



