Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantisfly that mimics paper wasps in the genus Polistes. Urbana, Illinois, USA - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Neuroptera

is a smaller order of holometabolous insects containing the lacewings, antlions, owlflies, and relatives. Most species are predatory, and adults typically have two pairs of large, lacey wings.

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Lacewing eggs are supported on long, silken stalks for protection against predators.

Mungkan Kandju National Park, Queensland, Australia

Lacewing larvae are sometimes referred to as "aphid lions" as they are voracious aphid predators. This one consumes a milkweed aphid.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

The larva of a green lacewing sucks the juices from a milkweed aphid.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantisfly that mimics paper wasps in the genus Polistes.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Adult antlions superficially resemble damselflies, but they are actually relatives of lacewings.

Sierra Nevada mountains, California, USA

Climaciella brunnea on a black-eyed susan. Note the raptorial forelegs.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

A Plega sp. brown mantidfly rests on a twig.

Chiricahua mountains, Arizona, USA

Antlion pits in sandy soil.

Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA

Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantisfly that mimics paper wasps in the genus Polistes.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

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Keywords: neuroptera mantispidae biological mimicry

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