Waxflies (family Coniopterygidae)

Waxflies (sometimes known as dustywings) are quite different from other lacewings, being smaller and having their wings (and head and body) covered in powdery white waxy scales. Identification to genus level is possible based on the size of the hindwings and venation of both fore and hindwings, however identification to species level normally requires microscopic examination of cleared male genitalia. The majority of insects I find are males and the process for examining them is really quite easy (at least if you're used to examining, say, micro moths). The differences between species are usually fairly clear once you have them under the microscope, and with so few people recording them, the results can be very significant and rewarding (e.g. I have caught four species new to Norfolk in my small and non-special garden).

Conwentzia psociformis

Coniopteryx borealis

Coniopteryx tineiformis

Coniopteryx esbenpeterseni

Coniopteryx lentiae

Semidalis pseudouncinata

Parasemidalis fuscipennis