PREFACE 



The object of this little work is to provide the general 

 reader with a popular account of the habits and life- 

 histories of some of the more important and conspicuous 

 neuropterous insects inhabiting our rivers, streams, and 

 lakes. 



For the general notes on the Neuroptera, and for the 

 preliminary remarks on the various families, I am much 

 indebted to Dr. Sharp, from whose volume on " Insects " 

 these portions of the present work have been largely 

 compiled. 



The technical and descriptive matter, relating to adult 

 insects, has been obtained from various scattered papers, 

 chiefly by Mr. R. McLachlan. These descriptions have 

 been recently summarised, re-arranged, and re-published 

 by Captain Hutton in volume xxxi. of the Transactions 

 of the New Zealand Institute, and I have very much 

 pleasure in acknowledging the great aid I have received 

 from both of these naturalists. 



In addition, I have to express my thanks to many 

 others, who have kindly supplied me with notes on localities, 

 and with other valuable information and material. 



G. V. HUDSON. 

 Karori, Wellington, New Zealand, 1903. 



