Neuroptera (Lacewings and their relatives)

mostly from Orange County, California

Photographed and compiled by Peter J. Bryant (pjbryant@uci.edu) 
Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 
University of California, Irvine, CA 92697

Text and identification by Bob Allen (email: Bob Allen)
Biological Science Department, California State University, Fullerton
Berothidae (Beaded Lacewings)

Beaded Lacewing, Lomamyia sp. 		       
Chrysopidae (Goldeneyes)
 
Perfect lacewing,
Mallada perfecta 		Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla comanche (?)
Green lacewing,
Chrysoperla plorabunda
Lonely lacewing,
Eremochrysa sp.
Green lacewing,
Chrysopa oculata
Corydalidae (Dobsonflies) Hemerobiidae
(Brown Lacewings)		 Mantispidae
(Mantisflies)		 Myrmeleontidae (Antlions) Raphidiidae
(Snakeflies)

Dobsonfly,
Corydalis sp. (larva)
Brown lacewing,
Hemerobius sp.
Mantisfly,
Plega signata
Antlion,
Brachynemurus sp.
Snakefly,
Agulla sp.
 

Chrysopidae: Also called "Goldeneyes" for the golden color of their eyes when alive. Color is not a reliable characteristic for lacewing identification, you need to examine their physical features. Lacewings in the Family Chrysopidae have straight crossveins just below the leading edge of the front wing. Their bodies and wings are hairless or not very hairy. They are green or brown.

 

Hemerobiidae: Color is not a reliable characteristic for lacewing identification. Lacewings in the Family Hemerobiidae have forked crossveins just below the leading edge of the front wing. Their bodies and wings are very hairy. They are most often light or dark brown.

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