58 BRITISH INSECTS 



Like many other supposed rarities, they can generally 

 be found when searched for in suitable localities, due 

 regard being paid to time and season. 



We now come to two families whose members pass 

 collectively under the popular name of "lacewings," 

 because of the extremely complex and beautiful net- 

 veining displayed by their wings. The first is known 

 as Hemerobiida. It includes several British species, 

 which may be distinguished by their moderately long 

 antennae, whose numerous joints, when magnified, 

 resemble a string of beads. Two sub-families are 

 recognized viz., Osmylince (in which simple eyes are 

 present), and Hemcfobiina (in which simple eyes are 

 absent). The 0$myUn& are represented by Osmylns 

 chrysops, which is not uncommon in the New Forest, 

 where its larvae live under stones or among moss and 

 weeds in damp situations, or actually in water. They 

 have long, slender mandibles, or " sucking-spears," 

 with which they pierce and empty the small insects 

 upon which they prey. According to Dr. Sharp, the 

 larva is hatched in the autumn and hibernates before 

 it attains full growth. It is provided with silk glands 

 and a spinning apparatus at the tail-end ; and, prior to 

 its assumption of the pupa state, it forms a small 

 round cocoon of silk mixed with sand grains. The 

 second sub-family x comprises rather small insects, 

 some of which have a very moth-like appearance. 

 The larvae frequent plants and hunt aphides, which 

 they suck dry. Some of them cover themselves with 

 the empty skins of their victims, to which fragments 

 of vegetable matter may be added, and thus go about 

 bearing a load of d6bris by which they are often com- 

 pletely hidden from view. When full fed, the larva 



spins a cocoon. 



1 Hemeroliincs. 



