Neuroptera

1636. NEUROPTERA. This order is distinguished by having four membranous wings, generally of equal size, identical in texture, and very much reticulated; the mouth is armed with powerful jaws for mastication; the tail is not provided with a sting; and the transformations are varied, the insects in some groups continuing active throughout their whole lives, like the Orthoptera; whilst in others the pupa state is inactive, like that of the beetles and bees. Such of those insects as have active pupﾵ approach very nearly to the Orthoptera, with which they have sometimes been united. The chief groups in this order are those of the white ants (Termitidﾵ), stone-flies (Perlidﾵ), May flies (Ephemeridﾵ), dragon-flies (Libellulidﾵ), and ant-and aphis-lion flies (Myrmeleonidﾵ and Hemerobiidﾵ). Few of these, although found occasionally in gardens, are among our more formidable: insect enemies, unless, indeed, they happen to appear in considerable numbers. The general appearance of the dragon-flies, May flies, and moth flies may be learned by fig. 283.; a representing A'grion virgo; b, Ephemera vulgata) and c, Phryganea rhombica.