Order NEUROPTERA. 



In its original or Linneean scope this order included all the net or nerve- 

 winged insects; hence was easy of definition It is one of the most ancient 

 of the orders in this sense and divergences left their mark in the form of 

 remnants, retaining the original wing type, but differing greatly in other 

 respects. The first division was upon the character of the transformations 

 and we had Pseudo-neuroptera, where the metamorphoses were incomplete, 

 and Neuroptera, where they were complete. This was unsatisfactory because 

 nothing in the adult indicated the nature of its transformations and also 

 because, in this very order where the change in the character of the metamor- 

 phosis occurred there were a number of transition forms that were not easily 

 classified. Hence the modern tendency to give each compact group ordinal 

 rauk, and this I consider the correct solution. Unfortunately there is yet no 

 entire agreement as to where the lines of division should be drawn and in the 

 limitation here adopted the fish-flies are excluded, contrary to the belief of 

 some other authorities 



As the order is limited here it contains insects that have a moderately com- 

 pact thorax, the prothorax being well developed yet immovably connected 

 with the mesothorax whatever its size, no distinct neck between it and the 

 head and four large net-veined wings which are not folded and are carried 

 obliquely or roof-like when at rest. All of them are terrestrial in all stages, 

 all are predatory in character though, in one case at least, with a tendency to 

 parasitism, and in all there is a complete metamorphosis. The wings are not 

 densely hairy in any case ; there is no difference in texture between the two 

 pairs and usually not much in size. 



There are several families occurring in New Jersey that differ considerably in 

 habit and appearance, though most of them are of small extent. 



The Mantispida: have only two representatives thus far known from our State, 

 and these are remarkable looking forms, with long pro-thorax and immense 

 clasping fore legs, much resembling the Mantes which belong in the Orthoptera. 

 The larva; prey upon the eggs of spiders and are semi-parasitic, living in the 

 egg-sac and becoming partly grub-like in form. As they are so rare with us 

 they cannot be considered of economic importance. 



The Conioptcrygidu- are almost equally scarce. The species I have seen are 

 small covered with a white mealy powder which makes them easily recognizable, 

 and the hind wings are unusually small. The larvae, so far as their habits are 

 known, feed on scale insects and resemble in form those of the Aphis lions. So 

 far as they go, therefore, the insects are beneficial. 



The Chrysopidcs, Aphis lions, golden-eyed flies, or lace-wing flies, are well 

 represented with us and distinctly useful. The term "Aphis lion" refers to 

 to the habits of the larva which is spindle shaped, a little flattened, with 

 prominent long mandibles which are grooved on the inner side. This larva 

 clasps a plant-louse, punctures it and draws in the juices, the body being 

 thrown away when exhausted. The adult is green in color, the wings very 



