Lacewings (Neuroptera)

As Norfolk recorder for lacewings and allied insects, this group is of special interest to me. Most can be identified with a hand lens (with care!), although some may require a view of the tip of the abdomen from the side which can be tricky on live individuals. Very few (except the waxflies) require microscopic examination, and even those are relatively straightforward compared to, for example, many micro moths.

The essential reference for adult lacewings is the FSC Aidgap guide, "A key to the adults of British lacewings and their allies" by Colin W Plant (1997). This is excellent and enables the vast majority of adult lacewings to be identified with confidence. Any new species missing from this book, or changes to taxonomy, are detailed in the Neuro News newsletters all of which are available from the Lacewings and Allies Recording Scheme website.

The majority of Norfolk species are shown here. Over the next season or two I hope to take a few more close-up photos showing some of the pertinent details which you may not be able to see on the photos shown here initially.

Waxflies (family Coniopterygidae)

Green lacewings (family Chrysopidae)

Spongeflies (family Sisyridae)

Antlions (family Myrmeleontidae)

Owlflies (family Ascalaphidae)

Brown lacewings (family Hemerobiidae)

Although not lacewings (and not in the order Neuroptera), snakeflies (order Raphidioptera), alderflies (order Megaloptera) and scorpionflies and snow flea (order Mecoptera) are often treated together with lacewings for recording purpose. Click on the links below to go to snakeflies, alderflies or scorpionflies.

Snakeflies (order Raphidioptera)

Alderflies (order Megaloptera)

Scorpionflies (order Mecoptera)