34 GUIDE TO INSECTS. 



case 1 36 ^ e species at P resent known are chiefly South European, African 



and Australian. A larva believed to be that of Nemoptera is found in 

 the tombs in Egypt. It is remarkable for the great length of its 

 neck (1354). 



The Nymphidce (1361) have the head free, transverse, with 

 prominent eyes. The antennae are moderately long and slender. 

 The four wings are equal and similar. They show a typical neura- 

 tion, the eleven veins being all distinguishable, with the fourth and 

 sixth both complete to the base, and the seventh emitting a branch 

 from about the middle. The tarsi have the claws furnished with 

 membranous lobes. 



These insects are Australian. Nothing is known of their habits. 



The Osmylida (1 362-1 365). The insects usually included in 

 this family have the head variable, sometimes slightly imbedded in 

 the prothorax, but generally nearly free, transverse, with rather 

 prominent eyes. The antennse are slender, of moderate length. 

 The neuration of the wings is somewhat similar to that in the 

 Nymphidce, but the seventh vein is parallel to the sixth (and GA), 

 does not emit a distinct branch to the hind margin, and appears to 

 terminate at a cross vein at some distance from the margin. Nearly 

 the whole wing has a border of fine forked veins. 



These delicate and beautiful insects are widely distributed. 

 Osmylm chrysops (1 362) is not uncommon in the New Forest. The 

 larva is found under stones or in moss in or near water. 



The genus Dilar is remarkable for the comb-like antennse of the 

 male. The genera Ithone, Rapisma and Psychopsis (1365) are 

 included in this family, but they are very aberrant. 



The Hemerobiidce are rather small insects, with very short 

 prothorax. The neuration of the wings is a still further departure 

 from that seen in the Nymphidto. The fourth vein is in part or 

 wholly absent, and there are numerous veins branching directly from 

 the third vein. 



The larvae are carnivorous and live chiefly on Aphidw (Green-fly), 

 from which they suck all moisture. They have the curious habit 

 of placing the empty skins of their victims, as well as fragments of 

 vegetable matter, on their backs so that they are often completely 

 concealed. 



The Chrysopidce closely resemble the Osmylidte, but have 

 the antennas of great length. The neuration of the wings 

 divides the surface into a number of oblique oblong cells ; the 

 fourth vein curves away from the third ; the fifth is absent. 



