CHAPTER VII. 



The Order Neuroptera, as here considered, is a very 

 limited one, consisting only of the seven small families, 

 which comprise the Lace-wings, Ant-lions, Caddis-flies, and 

 a few others. It forms a most convenient passage from the 

 insects undergoing a complete metamorphosis with a 

 quiescent pupa, to those which are active during the whole 

 of their life, as the larvae are widely different from the adults, 

 but the pupae, although incapable of walking or eating, 

 approximate very closely in structure to the perfect insects. 

 I regret that my observations have been at present 

 restricted to three families only, i.e., the Hemerobiida^ 

 Sialidce, and Phryganidce, which will consequently have to 

 represent the entire series. I understand, however, from 

 Mr. A. S. Atkinson, that a species of Myrmeleontidce 

 (Ant-lion) is not uncommon round Nelson, and doubtless 

 future investigation will reveal insects belonging to the 

 other families. 



Family PHRYGANID.E. 



Oxyethira albiceps (?) (McLach.) (Plate XIV., fig. 3, 3a 

 larva, 3b pupa). 



This insect occurs in the neighbourhood of ponds and 

 streams during the summer. Its larva may be found 



