Dichotomous Keys - Text Format
Keys To Common Families Of Neuroptera (Lacewings, Antlions, etc.)

No.	From	Description	Go to	Name
1a		The front and hind wings are both narrow where they attach to the body	3
1b		The hind wings have a conspicuous "heel" where they attach to the body	2
2a	1b	The body is usually at least 25 mm long; ocelli are present		Corydalidae (Dobsonflies, Fishflies)
2b	1b	The body is usually < 25 mm long; ocelli are missing		Sialidae (Alderflies)
3a	1a	The prothorax is exceptionally long (like a mantid)	4
3b	1a	The prothorax is not exceptionally long	6
4a	3a	The front legs are enlarged and attached to the prothorax near the head		Mantispidae (Mantidflies)
4b	3a	The front legs are not enlarged and are attached to the prothorax near the middle legs (Snakeflies)	5
5a	4b	Ocelli are present		Raphidiidae (Raphidid Snakeflies)
5b	4b	Ocelli are missing		Inocelliidae (Inocellid Snakeflies)
6a	3b	The antennae are clubbed	7
6b	3b	The antennae are filiform, moniliform, or pectinate	8
7a	6a	The antennae are much shorter than the body		Myrmeleontidae (Antlions)
7b	6b	The antennae are about as long as the body		Ascalaphidae (Owlflies)
8a	6b	Many cross veins fork before reaching the front edge of the wing (spread the wings to check which is the front edge		Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings)
8b	6b	Few cross veins fork before reaching the front edge of the wing	9
9a	8b	The body is usually greenish in color; these are found on plants		Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
9b	8b	The body is usually brownish in color; these are found near ponds or streams		Sisyridae (Spongillaflies)

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