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Dichotomous Keys - Text Format | ||
Keys To Common Families Of Neuroptera (Lacewings, Antlions, etc.) |
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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
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2 | ||
2a | 1b | The body is usually at least 25 mm long; ocelli are present | ![]() Corydalidae (Dobsonflies, Fishflies) |
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2b | 1b | The body is usually < 25 mm long; ocelli are missing | ![]() Sialidae (Alderflies) |
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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) |
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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 |
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5b | 4b | Ocelli are missing | ![]() Inocelliidae |
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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) |
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7b | 6b | The antennae are about as long as the body | ![]() Ascalaphidae (Owlflies) |
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8a | 6b |
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Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings) |
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8b | 6b | Few cross veins fork before reaching the front edge of the wing
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9 | |
9a | 8b | The body is usually greenish in color; these are found on plants | Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings) |
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9b | 8b | The body is usually brownish in color; these are found near ponds or streams | Sisyridae (Spongillaflies) |