224 



APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY 



In the Western States are a few insects belonging to the Neuroptera, and 

 family Raphidiidae. They are small, less than an inch in length, but with an 

 unusually long prothorax (Fig. 220). The larvae feed on other insects and, 

 among others, on codling moth larvae. They occur chiefly under loose bark in 

 this stage, and while not as abundant as could be desired, do good work by attack- 

 ing many injurious species. They have been introduced into Australia in the 

 hope that they may become effective enemies of the codling moth there. 



Fig. 220. Fig. 221. 



Fig. 220. — Adult Raphidiau {Raphidia obiita Hagen), about twice natural size. 

 {Original.) 



Fig. 221. — Adult Mantispa (Mantispa brunnsa Say) showing grasping front legs. 

 Somewhat enlarged. {Origijial.) 



Another family, the Mantispidae, though few in numbers, has its members 

 quite widely distributed. The Mantispas (Fig. 221) as they are called, like the 

 Raphidians, have a greatly elongated prothorax and their fore legs are also long 

 and adapted to grasping their prey. The adults are larger than the Raphidians, 

 being about an inch in length and with long wings. Though feeding on other 

 insects, most of which are likely to be injurious, the Mantispas are not numerous 

 enough to be of any great importance. 



Fig. 222. 

 Fig. 222. — Adult Ant-lion about natural size. (Original.) 

 Fig. 223. — Larva of an Ant-lion, about twice natural size. 



Fig. 223. 



(After Meinert.) 



The insects belonging to the Family Myrmeleonidae are generally 

 spoken of as the Ant-lions, though the name "Doodle-bug" is sometimes 

 applied to their larvae. They are widely distributed over the United 

 States, particularly in sandy places, but are most abundant in the South. 



