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Prey instar preference and functional responses of 2- and 3-instar Mallada basalis (Walker) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae to 1- to 3-instar Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) nymphs and adults were assessed in laboratory. Results indicated that both 2- and 3-instar M. basalis larvae preferred young over old P. solenopsis nymphs and adults were the least preferred. The 3-instar M. basalis larvae preyed more adult P. solenopsis than 2-instar larvae. Mallada basalis exhibited type II functional responses to prey densities: An increase in prey density leads to an increase in consumed preys. Regardless of P. solenopsis stages, the number of preys consumed by the 3-instar M. basalis larvae was greater than that by the 2-instar larvae. Attack rates and handling times differed depending on prey and predator stage combinations. The highest attack rate (1.1874) and lowest handling time (0.0040 h) were observed for the 3-instar M. basalis larvae fed on the 1-instar P. solenopsis nymphs. Regardless of P. solenopsis stages, the attack rate of 3-instar M. basalis was greater than 2-instar, whereas the reverse held regarding handling time. The findings collectively indicated that 3-instar M. basalis larvae have greater potential than 2-instar as efficient biological control agent of P. solenopsis. In developing real world biological control programs, however, the 2-instar M. basalis may be released if necessary since the final efficacy of the predator is the summation of the 2- and 3-instar M. basalis.

The present paper adds to the knowledge of the family Mantispidae from India. Herein we describe two new Euclimacia species: E. similis sp. nov. from Madhya Pradesh and E. nicobarica sp. nov. from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A new combination is also proposed: Mantispilla coorgensis (Ohl, 2004a) comb. nov. With these additions, the family is now represented in India by 22 species in eight genera.

Apochrysa evanida Gerstaecker, 1893 belonging to the Chrysopidae family of Neuroptera is reported for the first time from the Western Ghats and Kerala state. The species is described with its distribution.

Many lacewing species (Insecta: Neuroptera) are important predators of pests with great potential in biological control. So far, there is no chromosome-level published genome available for Neuroptera. Here we report a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for a green lacewing species Chrysopa pallens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), which is one of the most important insect natural enemies used in pest biocontrol. The genome was sequenced using a combination of PacBio and Hi-C technologies and assembled into seven chromosomes with a total size of 517.21 Mb, occupying 96.07% of the genome sequence. A total of 12,840 protein-coding genes were identified and approximately 206.21 Mb of repeated sequences were annotated. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that C. pallens diverged from its common ancestor with Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera) approximately 300 million years ago. The gene families involved in digestion, detoxification, chemoreception, carbohydrate metabolism, immunity, nerves and development were significantly expanded, revealing the potential genomic basis for the polyphagia of C. pallens and its role as an excellent biocontrol agent. This high-quality genome of C. pallens will provide an important genomic resource for future population genetics, evolutionary and phylogenetic investigations of Chrysopidae as well as comparative genomic studies of Neuropterida and other insects.

Myrmeleon trivialis was originally described by Gerstaecker in 1885 based on the description of one female specimen from Himalayas, India. However, this species is now widely spread in Pakistan, China, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. In India, it is known from Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal. The present study communicates the new record of Myrmeleon trivialis from Kashmir Valley (Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, District Shopian), India. The study constitutes the first evidence of the occurrence of this species from the North-Western Himalayan Region of Kashmir Valley (Jammu and Kashmir, Union Territory) and extending the range of species into the Kashmir Himalayas. The addition of this species to the Jammu and Kashmir UT fauna makes a remarkable contribution to the Order Neuroptera, as the Neuropteran species from the Kashmir Himalayan region of India have been less explored compared to that of other Insect orders and families from the region.

The study on diversity of insects associated with grain amaranth, Amaranthus spp was conducted from August to November 2019 at College of Agriculture, Vijayapura. A total of thirty one insects belonging to twenty one families and eight orders; comprising of twenty six insect pests, four predators and one parasitoid were recorded. Each genus recorded during the study was represented by a single species totaling thirty one genus and species. Order Hemiptera was the most diverse with a relative abundance of 29.03 per cent followed by Coleoptera (22.58 per cent), Lepidoptera and Thysanoptera (12.90 per cent), Homoptera, Orthoptera and Hymenoptera (6.45 per cent) while Neuroptera was the least (3.23 per cent) abundant.

In this study were documented the species of brown-lacewings (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) found at Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, state of Goiás and at Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas, in Chapada Gaúcha, state of Minas Gerais, both in Brazil, based on a survey carried out with Malaise traps between February 2018 and May 2019. During the samplings 60 specimens of hemerobiids were captured, being 26 of Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker, 1888), 13 of Nomerobius argentinensis González Olazo, 1990, eight of Sympherobius amazonicus Penny & Monserrat, 1985, six of Megalomus impudicus (Gerstaecker, 1888), five of Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996, one Nomerobius cuspidatus Oswald, 1990 and one of Notiobiella sp. Nomerobius argentinensis and Nom. cuspidatus are reported by the first time to Brazil and H. hernandezi, M. impudicus, Notiobiella sp. and S. amazonicus to the state of Goiás, Brazil.

This is the first discovery of nesting an ant queen in the mantid’s oothecae chamber. A total of 93 oothecae have been collected and dissected. After tearing the outer skin of the most oothecae apart (80 out of 93), a queen ant Crematogaster inermis (Formicidae: Crematogastrini) and her eggs were observed. All of these 80 oothecae were parasited by parasitoid wasp Podagrion pachymerum (Chalcidoidea: Toryminae). According to our observations, it was assumed that the ant, Crematogaster inermis (Formicidae: Crematogastrini), inhabited the oothecae of mantid, Hierodula tenuidentata (Mantidae: Paramantini), to get a ready nest and accessible food using parasitoid wasps. We observed a mixed-species aggregation of arthropods in most of the examined oothecae. The arthropods that were observed in most of the collected oothecae are listed below: An ant, Crematogaster inermis (Formicidae: Crematogastrini); a mimicking spider ant, Synageles persianus (Salticidae: Dendryphantini); a parasitoid, Podagrion pachymerum (Chalcidoidea: Toryminae); a pseudoscorpion species, Chernes sp. (Chernetidae: Chernetini); a thysanoptera species, Haplothrips sp. (Phlaeothripidae: Haplothripini) and a neuroptera species, Semidalis sp. (Coniopterygidae: Conwentziini).

Green lacewing, Pseudomallada astur (Banks) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a potential predator of the invasive rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) infesting coconut palms. A meridic diet for its mass production was standardized. Highest fecundity (393 eggs), larval hatch (324.60 larvae), pupation (279.20 pupae), male longevity (23.25 days) and female longevity (59.62 days) of P. astur were recorded when reared on adult diet comprising honey, protein X, glucose, coconut pollen and yeast. In the laboratory, each P.astur larva fed on 705 and 996 eggs of Corcyra cephalonica and A. rugioperculatus in a period of 13.23 and 21.19 days, respectively. About 7.26 lakh and 17.76 lakh P.astur eggs were distributed to farmers during 2019 and 2020, respectively in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India to combat A. rugioperculatus. Field evaluation indicated significantly low population of A. rugioperculatus (19.96 nymphs) on coconut palms inoculated with P. astur eggs than un-released control palms (158.5 nymphs) on 28th day after inoculation and thus established successful predatory potential on rugose spiralling whitefly.

Chemical secretions are an effective means by which insects can deter potential enemies. Several terrestrial insects spray these liquids directionally toward enemies, but little is known about spraying behavior in aquatic and semiaquatic insects. The larvae of Osmylus hyalinatus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) are semiaquatic, inhabiting the edges of small streams and ponds where they encounter multiple enemies on land and in water. The larvae of this osmylid sprayed a hyaline liquid from the anal opening if disturbed in either air and water, although the spray appeared slightly viscous in water. The liquid was stored in the posterior half of the hindgut and sprayed directionally toward an artificial stimulus. Spraying allowed the larvae to escape biting by ants, and to repel them in 90% of encounters. Spraying caused the regurgitation of 71% and 60% of all larvae swallowed by terrestrial frogs and aquatic newts, respectively. Aquatic fishfly larvae released 30% of captured larvae due to spraying. Most of the larvae that repelled ants or were regurgitated by amphibians survived, but those released by fishfly larvae were killed by heavy biting with the mandibles. This is the first report of effective liquid spraying by insects in water, and also within the order Neuroptera.

Dilaridae are an ancient relict lineage of lacewings, whose life history is poorly known. We investigated the external morphology of the first and second instar larvae of Dilar duelli Aspock U. and Aspock H., 1995, based on reared and collected specimens by means of scanning electron microscopy. Larvae of Dilar are characterized by straight mandibulo-maxillary stylets, strengthened antennae and palps, absence of stemmata, robust prothoracic legs with asymmetrical pretarsal claws, greatly elongate and cylindrical abdomen, and large pygopods, all of these features appear to be adaptations to fossorial habits, allowing the larvae to move in the soil. Dilar undergoes drastic developmental changes between larval instars, changing from minute, stout first instars to long, slender third instars, characterized by an overly developed abdomen. Larvae of Dilaridae share several morphological and developmental features with Mantispidae and Berothidae, although phylogenetic evidence suggests that these traits arose independently in association with similar life habits.

The PROFAUPAR project (1986–1987) studied insect diversity in the Atlantic rainforest through collections made at eight different sites in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Here, we review and identify the collected neuropterans, carry out a bibliographic review, and compose a list of the Neuroptera species that occur in the state. This study includes 14 new records in Paraná, including the first records of Ascalaphinae (Myrmeleontidae) and a new record of Dilaridae for Brazil. It increases by 29.2% the number of species of Neuroptera known from Paraná. Forty-seven Neuroptera species are now known to occur in the state.

Adult external morphology of the extant raptorial Mantispoidea (Insecta: Neuroptera: Mantispidae and Rhachiberothidae) is compared emphasizing the morphology of the subfamily Symphrasinae as a key group to understand the phylogenetic relationships among the members of the superfamily. Plega dactylota Rehn, 1939 is thoroughly characterized in order to exemplify the morphology of the Symphrasinae. Additionally, following a review of the literature and examination of comparative material of Dilaridae, Berothidae, Rhachiberothidae and all Mantispidae subfamilies, a new interpretation of the components of the raptorial apparatus (i.e., head, prothorax, grasping forelegs, as well as integumentary specializations) is presented. Also, wing venation for these groups is reinterpreted, and new homology hypotheses for wing venation are proposed based on tracheation and comparative analyses. Given the high morphological divergence on the genital sclerites within the Mantispoidea, plus the confusing previous usage of neutral terminology and terms referring to appendages across taxonomic and morphological studies, we attempt to standardize, simplify, and situate terminology in an evolutionary context under the “gonocoxite concept” (multi-coxopod hypothesis). The remarkable morphological similarity of the genital sclerites of Symphrasinae and Rhachiberothidae (sensu U. Aspöck & Mansell 1994) with the Nallachinae (Dilaridae) was taken as a starting point to understand the morphology of other Mantispidae subfamilies. Based on these morphological comparisons, we provide a revised phylogenetic analysis of Mantispoidea. This new phylogenetic analysis supports a sister group relationship between the family Rhachiberothidae, comprising Rhachiberothinae and Symphrasinae, and the family Mantispidae, including the subfamily Mantispinae and its sister taxa Drepanicinae and Calomantispinae, which may represent a single subfamily. Based on these analyses, raptorial condition probably evolved a single time in these insects and subsequently became diversified in the two sister clades of the raptorial Mantispoidea.

The biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem exert an influence on the behavior and survival of organisms, which adapt to changes in these factors to ensure their reproduction and survival. Phenotypic plasticity regards any type of change induced by the environment without the need for genetic modifications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the investment of the antlion, Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae) in trap building is a phenotypic response that changes according to the surrounding environment. Larvae were observed in their natural environment (control), in a simulated natural environment (below tents) and after being transplanted to the laboratory. We found that the investment in trap size is a plastic phenotypic response in M. brasiliensis larvae and this behavior varies in accordance with the location in which the larvae build their traps. In areas with protection for the traps, greater investment was made in the size of the trap and consequently increased the success in capturing prey.

We describe the oldest Kalligrammatidae, two distantly related species of different subfamilies from the Lower Jurassic (lower Toarcian) of Germany: Liassopsychops curvatus Bode, 1953 , sit. nov. (Liassopsychopinae n. subfam.) and Ophtalmogramma klopschari n. gen. n. sp. (Kallihemerobiinae). They lived in warm and relatively dry conditions. Subfamily Liassopsychopinae includes the Jurassic genera Liassopsychops and Huiyingogramma, sit. nov., which bear forewings characterized by Sc and RA not fused distally; MP, CuA, CuP, and A1 dichotomously branched; and a well-developed central eye-spot. The forewing of Ophtalmogramma n. gen. is most similar to that of Apochrysogramma Yang et al., 2011 . The diversity of early Toarcian kalligrammatids indicates a late Triassic–earliest Jurassic origin of the family. A modified classification of the central eye-spots is proposed based on the presence/absence of four main components, i.e., the central pigmented disc (A), swellings (B), ocules (C), and outer rings (D). The function of the swellings is unclear, but they may have served as pheromone containers.

Studies on the biology, life table parameters, and functional response of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea, were carried out on papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus, under laboratory conditions. The highest larval survival rate (90.50%) was recorded on S. cerealella and then on P. marginatus (85%). The highest life table values of C. carnea, lx (0.91), R0 (106.45), T (50 days), Mx (263), and rm (0.10), were recorded on S. cerealella, whereas doubling time (6.95) and death rate (0.11) were recorded on P. marginatus. The 1st instar of C. carnea to both nymphal instars of P. marginatus exhibited type II functional response, whereas the 2nd and 3rd instars exhibited type III functional response. Predators such as C. carnea with type III functional response to P. marginatus are recognized as an effectual biological control agent as it can efficaciously establish and manage the P. marginatus population.

The insect leg is a multifunctional device, varying tremendously in form and function within Insecta: from a common walking leg, to burrowing, swimming or jumping devices, up to spinning apparatuses or tools for prey capturing. Raptorial forelegs, as predatory striking and grasping devices, represent a prominent example for convergent evolution within insects showing strong morphological and behavioural adaptations for a lifestyle as an ambush predator. However, apart from praying mantises (Mantodea)—the most prominent example of this lifestyle—the knowledge on morphology, anatomy, and the functionality of insect raptorial forelegs, in general, is scarce. Here, we show a detailed morphological description of raptorial forelegs of Mantispa styriaca (Neuroptera), including musculature and the material composition in their cuticle; further, we will discuss the mechanism of the predatory strike. We could confirm all 15 muscles previously described for mantis lacewings, regarding extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, expanding it for one important new muscle—M24c. Combining the information from all of our results, we were able to identify a possible catapult mechanism (latch-mediated spring actuation system) as a driving force of the predatory strike, never proposed for mantis lacewings before. Our results lead to a better understanding of the biomechanical aspects of the predatory strike in Mantispidae. This study further represents a starting point for a comprehensive biomechanical investigation of the convergently evolved raptorial forelegs in insects.

Background Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSBs) successfully reduced Anopheles mosquito vector populations and malaria parasite transmission in Mali, but application methods need to be improved for wide-scale use, and effects on non-target organisms (NTOs) must be assessed. The goals of this study were to determine on a village level the effect of different outdoor configurations of ATSB bait stations to 1) achieve > 25% Anopheles mosquito vector daily feeding rate for both males and females and 2) minimize the effect on non-target organisms. Methods Dye was added to Attractive Sugar Bait Stations (ASB – without toxin) to mark mosquitoes feeding on the sugar baits, and CDC UV light traps were used to monitor mosquitoes for the presence of the dye. Yellow plates, pitfall traps, Malaise traps, UV light traps, UV tray traps, and sweep nets were used to trap and sample non-target organisms (NTOs) for dye, indicating feeding on the ASB. ASB stations were hung on outer walls of village homes to determine the impact of different densities of ASBs (1,2, or 3 per home) as well as the impact of ASB height (1 m or 1.8 m above the ground on sugar feeding by anophelines. These experiments were carried out separately, on consecutive nights for mosquito and NTO monitoring. Eight villages in the Koulikoro province were chosen as the experimental locations. Results The use of one ASB station per house marked 23.11% of female and 7.11% of male An. gambiae s.l. While two and three ASB stations per house gave feeding rates above the 25% goal, there was no statistical difference in the percentage of marked mosquitoes (p=0.3141 females; p=0.9336 males). There was no difference in sugar feeding on ASB stations when hung at 1.0 and 1.8 m and (p=0.5170 females; p=0.9934 males); however, ASBs at 1.8 m had less accidental damage from village residents and animals, and subsequent invasion of non-targets through rips or holes produced. ASB stations at 1.8 m above ground were fed on by three of seven monitored insect orders. Feeding rates were less than 0.015% of total trap catches and as low as 0.0001%. The monitored orders were: Hymenoptera [ants (Formicidae), bees (Apidae), and wasps (Vespidae)], Lepidoptera (Rhopalocera, Bombyces, Geometroidea, Noctuoidea, Sphingidae, Pyraloidea), Coleoptera (Carabidae, Tenebrionidae, Scarabaeidae, Cerambycidae, and Chrysomelidae), Diptera (Brachycera, Chironomidae), Hemiptera (Cicadomorpha and Heteroptera), Neuroptera (Myrmeleontiformia) and Orthoptera (Caelifera and Ensifera). Using one or two stations limited evidence of NTO feeding to ants (Hymenoptera), Brachycera, Heteroptera, Noctuiodea, Rhopalocera, wasps (Vespidae) and wild bees (Apidae) (both Hymenoptera) and had a significantly reduced percentage of stained individuals compared to three stations which had the highest feeding rates amongst NTOs. The percentages of stained individuals were as follows: 6.84 ± 2.03% Brachycera were stained followed by wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) 5.32 ± 2.27%, and Rhopalocera 2.22 ± 1.79%. Hanging the optimal number of stations per house for catching mosquitoes (two) 1.8 m above ground, limited the groups of non-targets to Brachycera, Chironomidae, Noctuoidea, Rhopalocera, parasitic wasps and wasps (both Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The three most commonly stained non-target insect groups at this height were wasps (Vespidae) (1.65 ± 0.75%), Chironomidae (0.99 ± 0.37), and Brachycera (1.55 ± 0.69%). Feeding at this height only occurred when stations were damaged.Conclusions The goal of marking one quarter of the total Anopheles mosquito vector population per day was obtained using 2 bait stations at 1.8 m height above the ground on the outer walls of houses. This configuration of ATSB stations also had minimal effects on non-target insects: only 0.0001% to 0.013% of specimens (in three orders) were marked. Stations hung 1.8 m above the ground had less accidental damage from passing people and livestock. The minimal marking of non-target insects may be attributed to visual orientation of non-mosquito insects while mosquitoes, are mostly guided by olfactory cues. Furthermore, the bait stations have a membrane cover, which if intact, is impenetrable to most sugar feeding non-target insects but is pierced by the stylets of the mosquito proboscis. Thus, most non-target insects are not exposed to the toxin even if they approach the bait stations.

Pit-building antlion larvae require not only dry and loose sand, but also other abiotic factors for beneficial pit site selection. Although wet soil is generally avoided by antlions, we assumed that antlion larvae of Baliga micans (McLachlan) (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) prefer some degree of soil moisture because their relatively higher respiratory rate may cause water loss. We conducted behavioral experiments for pit construction in soils of different moisture content (0–29%) to quantitatively clarify soil moisture preference. Under the control containing only dry soil, some larvae died, no pits were frequently found, and larval weight decreased. The larvae constructed pits on the wet soil more frequently than on the dry soil. Particularly, the 2nd- and 3rd-instar larvae preferred the 9% soil and the 17% soil moisture, respectively. Therefore, the larvae showed soil moisture preference, owing to a probable physiological constraint. The soil moisture preference that secures the survival period is possibly a requisite trait for effective foraging.

Pleasing lacewings (Neuroptera: Dilaridae) are a group of Neuroptera well known for the sexually dimorphic antennae (unipectinate in male, filiform in female). However, in the dilarid genus, Berothella Banks, 1934, the male antennae are not pectinate but thickly filiform. The genus is the sole representative of the recently established subfamily Berothellinae Liu, U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck, 2017, and includes three species from the Oriental region. So far each of the three species is known by a single male specimen. Here we describe two new species of Berothella, i.e., B. falcata sp. n. and B. wenii sp. n. from China based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. Moreover, we report on the first female of Berothellinae based on specimens of the newly discovered species. The female genital characters of Berothellinae are compared in detail with those of the other dilarid subfamilies. The distribution data of Berothellinae is updated.

Studies have demonstrated that the addition of preservatives mixed with food attractants have provided a more expressive attractiveness for fruit fly adults. The objective of the study was to evaluate the capture of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) adults when the addition of borax and/or benzalkonium chloride preservative in BioAnastrephaTM and Isca Samarita TradicionalTM food attractants compared to CeraTrapTM (control, no preservatives added) in peach orchards. As well as, verifying the effect over non-target insects. BioAnastrephaTM, Isca Samarita TradicionalTM and CeraTrapTM attractants enabled the capture of A. fraterculus adults when used by themselves in McPhail traps. However, by adding borax and benzalkonium chloride, BioAnastrephaTM and Isca Samarita TradicionalTM food attractants significantly increased the number of adults captured. Additionally, the number of A. fraterculus adults captured by BioAnastrephaTM attractant + borax was similar to CeraTrapTM attractant over time. Regarding non-target insects, the highest percentages of subjects captured belong to the Coleoptera (4.4 to 11%) and Diptera orders (24.1 to 34.6%) (Drosophilidae family). Nevertheless, insects from the Hymenoptera order [(Formicidae (0.14 to 0.96%), Vespidae (0.02 to 0.3%), and Apidae (0.04 to 0.9%)] families. Neuroptera (0.02 to 0.98%) and Lepidoptera (0.09 to 0.7%) were also captured, although those amounted to less than 1% of the A. fraterculus total. Adding borax and benzalkonium chloride to BioAnastrephaTM and Isca Samarita TradicionalTM food attractants potentialize the effect of A. fraterculus capture in monitoring traps. Also, adding preservatives made attractants more durable, consequently, the need to replace attractants was not as frequent.

Based on the ZIN collection (17 species) and published data, the fauna of antlions of Madagascar is described and its origin is analyzed. An insignificant, the most ancient part of the island’s modern fauna originates from the Gondwanan fauna and characterizes Madagascar as its Cretaceous refugium. Other species or their ancestors crossed water barriers by air or water; this “feng-shui” process of Madagascar colonization with monsoons and tsunamis still continues now. Most species of the genera Centroclisis Navas, 1909, Cymothales Gerstaecker, 1894, Neuroleon Navas, 1909, Creoleon Tillyard, 1918, Myrmeleon Linnaeus, 1767, and Cueta Navas, 1911 recorded from Madagascar are common with the African continent, mainly with East Africa. The repeated ancient and recent penetration of African species to Madagascar sometimes led to isolation of taxa and subsequent speciation. The Madagascan endemics Palpares insularis McLachlan, 1894 and P. amitinus Kolbe, 1906 probably originated from a single African ancestor from the Palpares insularis–tristis group, which reached Madagascar in the Neogene. A similar way of origin can be hypothesized for other endemic species of the genus Palpares and for members of the Centroclisis maillardi (McLachlan, 1873) group, including several similar species, which must have separated from the panAfrican Centroclisis distincta (Rambur, 1842). The modern Madagascan subendemics also include the monotypic genus Neguitus Navas, 1912, close to Neuroleon, with the autochthonous species Neguitus calcaratus Navas, which probably arose in the Oligocene–Holocene on the island and later spread onto the continent with storms. The largest representatives of the endemic Gondwanan fauna, Macroleon validus (McLachlan, 1894), Crambomorphus grandidieri Weele, 1907b, and Palparellus voeltzkowi (Kolbe, 1906), the latter belonging to the endemic subgenus Palpagretus subgen. n., have a more ancient, Cretaceous–Paleocene Gondwanan origin, and their gigantism is considered a plesiomorphic feature. A Gondwanan origin is also assumed for the monotypic tribe Voltorini with the genus Voltor Navas. The endemic monotypic genus Lybekius Navas probably originated from the ancestral lineage of the tribe Pseudoformicaleontini in East Gondwana. The Oriental connections of the Madagascan endemics are less obvious, but the origin of the endemic genera Madagascarleon Fraser, 1951 and Doblina Navas, 1927 is associated with the breakup of the East Gondwana and Indigascar plates in the Cretaceous. The Madagascan endemic Paraglenurus pinnula (Auber, 1955) and the Indonesian P. scopifer (Gerstaecker, 1888) probably descended from the Oriental ancestor of numerous species on East Gondwana before the separation of Indigascar. The endemic species Pseudoformicaleo olsoufieffi (Navas, 1934) also has Australo-Oriental connections. The monotypic subgenus Palpagretus Krivokhatsky, subgen. n. is erected in Palparellus for Palparellus voeltzkowi (Kolbe, 1906). A new synonymy is established: Syngenes maritimus (Needham, 1913) = S. dolichocercus Navas, 1914, syn. n. Two color morphs are distinguished: Syngenes maritimus morpha typica with melanized spots on the CuA-anastomoses on the forewings, and S. maritimus morpha dolichocercus Navas without such spots. New combinations are formed: Centroclisis rixosa (Navas, 1912), comb. n. (ex Sogra) and Macroleon madagascariensis (Weele, 1908), comb. n. (ex Formicaleo).

The Chinese species of Conwentzia Enderlein are revised by integrating morphological characters and molecular data. Conwentzia yunguiana Liu & Yang, 1993 is proposed as a junior synonym of Conwentzia nietoi Monserrat, 1982, syn. nov. and Conwentzia orthotibia Yang, 1974 is proposed as a junior synonym of Conwentzia pineticola Enderlein, 1905, syn. nov. Moreover, a key to the adult males of the Conwentzia from China and DNA barcodes are provided.

A new genus and species of the extinct lacewing family Mesochrysopidae, Burmotachinymphes bilobata gen. et sp. nov., is described from the mid-Cretaceous of northern Myanmar. This new genus can be easily distinguished from most known mesochrysopids by the RP+MA diverged from RA at an angle of ＞30° and strongly zigzagged along entire stem, and by the pectinate branches of MP2. Systematic position of Burmotachinymphes gen. nov. and the potential function of its unique pretarsal structure, i.e., the bilobed arolium with a pair of claw-like processes, are discussed. Additionally, a checklist of known mesochrysopid species and a revised diagnosis of Tachinymphinae are provided.

Holometabolous insects are alternatively named "Endopterygota" because, in the larvae of many taxa, the wing primordia in the lateral regions of the meso- and metathoracic segments form more or less invaginated structures called wing imaginal discs. Holometabolous insects exhibit differential developmental timing of the wing during ontogeny. The condition in which wing growth is deferred until the end of larval life has been considered ancestral, whereas early disc formation has been recognized as the derived condition. Even though wing disc development in holometabolous insects has been studied extensively in select groups, many questions remain about the development of the wing imaginal disc in the orders Raphidioptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera, and Mecoptera. To clarify whether the wing imaginal disc of Neuroptera is typical of the derived condition, we examined the ontogeny of the wing imaginal discs in the lacewing Mallada desjardinsi histologically. Using both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we were able to recognize wing imaginal discs in the penultimate larval instar (prefinal larval instar) of this species. To date, neuropteran insects have been characterized as having late-forming wing imaginal discs. However, our findings show that the developmental pattern of the wing imaginal discs within the Neuroptera represents a more derived pattern of development in the Holometabola than was assumed previously.

Two new species of Coniopterygidae , Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) tenuisetosa sp. nov., and Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) serrata sp. nov., are described from China. Both species differ from congeners in characters of the male genitalia. Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) alticola Sziraki, 2002, is recorded from China for the first time. A key to species of the genus Coniopteryx from China is presented.

Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), commonly known as the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), is an invasive pest on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L) in Southern parts of India. Mallada desjardinsi (Navas) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) an efficient predator of RSW is being employed on coconut plantations for biological control of RSW. However, under natural conditions the efficiency and multiplication of M. desjardinsi is affected by the encyrtid parasitoid, Copidosomyia ambiguous (Subba Rao). In this study, we report C. ambiguous on M. desjardinsi, in India, indirectly and adversely affecting the biological control of RSW.

Motivation Freshwater insects comprise 60% of freshwater animal diversity; they are widely used to assess water quality, and they provide prey for numerous freshwater and terrestrial taxa. Our knowledge of the distribution of freshwater insect diversity in the USA is incomplete because we lack comprehensive, standardized data on their distributions and functional traits at the scale of the contiguous United States (CONUS). We fill this knowledge gap by presenting Freshwater insects CONUS: A database of freshwater insect occurrences and traits for the contiguous United States. This database includes 2.05 million occurrence records for 932 genera in the major freshwater insect orders, at 51,044 stream locations sampled between 2001 and 2018 by federal and state biological monitoring programmes. Compared with existing open-access databases, we tripled the number of occurrence records and locations and added records for 118 genera. We also present life-history, dispersal, morphological and ecological traits and trait affinities (analogous to fuzzy-coded traits) for 1,007 stream insect genera, assembled from existing databases, reference books and the primary literature. We nearly doubled the number of traits for 11 trait groups and added traits for 180 genera that were not available from open-access databases. Our database, Freshwater insects CONUS, facilitates the mapping of freshwater insect taxonomic and functional diversity and, when paired with environmental data, will provide a powerful resource for quantifying how the environment shapes stream insect diversity and taxon-specific distributions. Main types of variables contained Georeferenced occurrence records and traits for stream insects. Spatial location and grain Contiguous United States at a grain of c. 1 m2. Time period and grain Occurrence records from January 2001 to December 2018, with 1-day temporal resolution. Traits from January 1911 to December 2018. Major taxa and level of measurement Genera from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera and Trichoptera. Software format .csv.

The whitefly Aleurodicus cocois is one of the main pests of cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. in Brazil. The use of essential oils and their constituents is an alternative means of controlling pest...

Climates around the world are rapidly turning warmer and often drier. Agricultural approaches must change accordingly. One important global practice is commercial use of cryptic species of the Chrysoperla carnea-group of green lacewings to control arthropod pests. Recently, one highly drought-tolerant species, originally present only in the Old World, is suspected of expanding its range to some of the driest habitats in the New World. Here we examine putative specimens of this species, Chrysoperla zastrowi (Esben-Petersen, 1928), collected in the desert southwest of the United States, the parched northwest of Mexico, and Guatemala. Using species-specific vibrational duetting-song phenotypes, subtle morphological character states, and mitochondrial DNA sequences, we confirm that C. zastrowi is now a naturalized part of the lacewing fauna of the Americas, making it the only species of the carnea-group to have a truly global range. As such, we encourage its broader commercial use for pest control on irrigated agricultural systems in the hotter, drier regions of the world to which it is best adapted and within which it now appears to be fully naturalized. We briefly consider future range expansion of both subspecies of C. zastrowi, C. z. zastrowi, and C. z. sillemi, in response to continued global warming.

Hemisemidalis pennyi sp. n. (Neuroptera: Conipterygidae: Coniopteryginae) is described from Toliara Province of Madagascar. Clasping fore legs of males are recorded for the first time in Hemisemidalis Meinander, 1972, while those of females have not been documented before in Coniopterygidae. The genus Hemisemidalis is recorded as new to the fauna of Madagascar.

Seventeen species of Neuroptera and one species of Raphidioptera are reported from the southern part of the European Russia. Wesmaelius navasi (Andreu, 1911), W. vaillanti (Navás, 1927), Chrysopa phyllochroma Wesmael, 1841, Lopezus fedtschenkoi (McLachlan, 1875) and Xanthostigma xanthostigma (Schummel, 1832) are new for the Republic of Kalmykia; Chrysopa hummeli Tjeder, 1936 is new for Volgograd Region. A female of Chrysopa viridinervis Jakowleff, 1869 collected 12 km south-west of Khvalynsk in Saratov Region, i.e. within the type locality, is the first known specimen of the species, except the type series which is most probably lost. A.V.Zakharenko considered Chrysopa hungarica Klapálek, 1899 as a junior synonym of Ch.viridinervis. We confirm this synonymy based on examination of this female. Its morphology fully corresponds to the original description of Ch.viridinervis and characters of Ch. hungarica: in particular, black X-shaped spot between antennae; antennae with scapus (mostly) and pedicellus (entirely) black, and flagellum paler, reddish brown; tergites and sternites black; venation entirely green except for few black veins in the wing base. Such a unique combination of characters does not occur in other European Chrysopidae.&nbsp

Four whitefly species including three invasive whitefly species viz., rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Alyrodidae) on 10 host plants; Bondars nesting whitefly, Paraleurodes bondari Peracchi on seven host plants, woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) on guava and Bemisia euphorbiae (David & Subramaniam) on two plants were reported for the first time in Lakshadweep. Parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and predators viz., Pseudomallada (=Dichochrysa) astur (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Cybocephalus indicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) were found associated with these whiteflies. Distribution of whiteflies along with their host plants and natural enemies in Lakshadweep Islands are given.

Antlions (Neuroptera) are a group of sit-and-wait predator insects, with some species further specializing in digging conical pit-traps in the ground in order to catch prey. Studies on antlions’ predators are scarce with only few generalist predators known to feed on them. Here we report for the first time on field observations of antlions’ predation by three scorpion genera. We suggest that scorpions may be common predators of antlions, at least in the hyper-desert environment of southern Israel. The effects of predation risk on the behavior of sit-and-wait and particularly on trap-building predators received little attention in the literature. In light of our observations, we posit that predation risk must be taken into serious consideration in future research of antlions in particular, and sit-and-wait predators in general.

These findings of Dendroleon pantherinus allow to expand modern ideas about its distribution in Ukraine and supplement the list of regional insect fauna of the Transcarpathian region with another species of reticulate, which is among the rare in the fauna of Europe. We also recommend this species for the new edition of the Red Book of Ukraine. Preservation of habitats, namely areas with old hollow trees, will help preserve populations. Formally, D. pantherinus is protected as part of the natural ecosystem of the Berehiv Hills Reserve.

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The hunting behavior of antlion larvae is unique in the insect world and soil characteristics may strongly affect their microhabitat selection. Therefore, the substrate type of sand pit construction is expected to have an important role in their traps. Different types of soil substrates can be inhabited by Myrmeleon formicarius Linnaeus, 1767 larvae. This study was conducted during 2018-2019 June-August in the Amanos Mountains of Turkey to examine assess the relationship between the microhabitat preference of larvae of M. formicarius. In this study, five substrate types were determined as particularly according to their habitat preference. In this study, the preference of fine-grained soils is found more adaptive because of the pits are constructed in these substrates are more functional for longer periods and they are much more successful in trapping their preys than the coarse-grained soil pits. Furthermore, it was found that there is a direct relationship between the pit size and substrate particle structure. Therefore, the detection and selection of microhabitats under more convenient ecological conditions, which increase capture success and elucidate the hunting strategy, may be carried out during strong soil substrate selection for Myrmeleon Linnaeus species. It was concluded that there is no strong relationship between the soil substrate type, pH, and trap diameter.

The Khasurty locality (Lower Cretaceous of Transbaikalia, Russia) is one of the largest fossil insect sites in the region. Over the entire period of study, more than 6000 insect imprints have been collected here, representing 16 orders and 130 families. Dipterans, aphids and hymenopterans are the most common forms here, the most diverse taxa are Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Trichoptera. In addition to insects, remains of crustaceans, mosses, liverworts and vascular plants were found in Khasurty, as well as occasional finds of arachnids, bird feathers and fish scales. Two new families, 17 new genera and 21 new species of Trichoptera, two new species of Orthoptera, one new genus and species of Phasmatoptera, one new species of Reculida, three new genera and species of Hemiptera, a new genus and species of Thysanoptera, a new genus and species of Hymenoptera, a new subfamily, two new genera and six new species of Lepidoptera, three new genera and four new species of Neuroptera, as well as a new genus and species of liverworts are described. In terms of the composition of the fauna and flora, the Khasurty locality is very peculiar, it includes both Jurassic and Cretaceous taxa, but in general it can be attributed to the Jehol biota.

Allomantispa Liu et al., 2015 is the only extant genus of the mantidfly subfamily Drepanicinae from Eurasia, being endemic to the Oriental region. It currently consists of only two species from southeastern Tibet and northern Myanmar, respectively. Here we describe a new species of this rarely observed mantidfly genus, namely Allomantispa coniprocessa sp. nov. from Yunnan, China. Interestingly, the new species displays distinctive sexual dimorphic characters on the pronotum. The molecular identification reveals obvious genetic divergence between the allopatric individuals of the new species. Their morphological variations are illustrated and compared. In addition, some characters with taxonomic or phylogenetic significance present on the pronotum, the abdomen and the genitalia in Allomantispa are also discussed. Our finding updates the morphological and distributional information on Allomantispa and implies a more diverse fauna of this genus in the Oriental region than previously assumed.

The genus Dilar Rambur, 1838 (Neuroptera, Dilaridae) is the most species-rich genus of the family Dilaridae and is diverse in China, previously with 32 described species. Here we report two new species of Dilar from the southern part of the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, southwestern China, namely Dilar muliensis sp. nov. and Dilar punctulosus sp. nov. A revised key to species of Dilar from China is provided. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:27EC214B-6587-4E38-BDAC-295F7389ABF3 .

Background The common green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a polyphagous and efficient predatory species commonly found in a wide range of agricultural habitats. It plays an important role in biological control of pests. Main body The effect of temperature on developmental rate of the predator C. carnea was studied at 7 constant temperatures, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 32, and 35 °C, 50 ± 10% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). Six nonlinear models were evaluated to determine the trend of developmental rate of the predator in examined temperatures and to estimate thermal thresholds of development. Nonlinear models were evaluated based on coefficient of determination (R2), adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj), residual sum of squares (RSS), and Akaike information criterion (AIC), beside biological significance of the estimated values for the model parameters. Among evaluated nonlinear models, Lactin-2 for all immature stages was the best-fitted model on observations, considering statistical criteria and biological significance of the estimations. The values of the lower temperature threshold by using Lacin-2 were 9.90, 10.90, 11.90, 11.40, 11.11, 11.61, and 11.30 °C for incubation period, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd larval instars, overall larval period, and pupal and total immature stages, respectively. The values of the upper temperature threshold for the mentioned developmental stages were 33.82, 37.66, 33.14, 34.04, 33.58, 32.14, and 32.18 °C, respectively. Estimated values for the optimal temperature for incubation period, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd larval instars, overall larval period, and pupal and total immature stages were 30.69, 30.22, 30.90, 30.34, 30.90, 31.75, and 31.72 °C, respectively. Short conclusion The results, in addition to determine thermal tolerance for the development of C. carnea, provided advantage information for better use of C. carnea in biological control programs.

Tachinymphes koraiensis sp. nov., a new member of the family Mesochrysopidae (Neuroptera), is described from the Lower Cretaceous Jinju Formation (South Korea), constituting the first record of fossil lacewings from the Korean Peninsula. The evolutionary history of Mesochrysopidae is discussed, and myrmeleontoid-like modifications of wing venation associated with improved flying ability are suggested as a possible explanation for the extensive radiation of this family during the Early Cretaceous. A preliminary overview of aquatic and terrestrial insects collected from the Jinju Formation with approximate estimates of the relative abundance of different insect orders is provided.

Given the scarce knowledge available on the biological aspects of the family Chrysopidae fed with phytophagous mites, the present work aims to study the life cycle of the generalist predator, Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider) fed with Raoiella indica Hirst, in order to obtain information that will be useful in the integrated management of this pest, which can damage several species of palms. Only 6.4% of the F0 generation fed only R. indica reaches the adult stage. Adults originating from the F0 generation did not exceed the preoviposition period. Adding Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) eggs to the diet, the F2 generation presented the following results: 23% reached the adult stage, the embryonic period was 6.5 ± 0.5 d. The longest instar (9.3 ± 2.1 d) was 3rd instar. The adult had an average longevity of 81.7 ± 54.9 d. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the survival of females and males (P = 0.351 > 0.05). The preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods were 6.8 ± 0.9, 58.92 ± 8.31 and, 54.85 ± 10.86 d respectively. The average oviposition rate was 2.04 ± 0.91 eggs per day per female. Population statistics Ro = 0.5, T = 128.64 d, rm. = 0.005 and λ = 1.005 indicated poor development of C. cincta using R. indica as primary dam. According to the information obtained, it is concluded that R. indica does not satisfy the nutritional requirements of C. cincta, and as a consequence, needs another food source to complete its biological cycle.

The paper overviews the fossil record of insects with long mouthparts and rostra adapted to feeding on floral nectar and pollination drops of extinct gymnosperms. The presence of suctorial mouthparts is demonstrated for the first time for the Permian mecopterans Permochoristidae and Permotanyderidae. The long-proboscid scorpionflies Mesopsychidae are recorded for the first time from the Upper Jurassic of Kazakhstan. A new finding of a detached head of a long-proboscid nectar-feeding brachyceran fly is reported from the Lower Cretaceous of Transbaikalia. Three major radiations of long-proboscid nectar feeders are identified: the Paleozoic, the Mesozoic, and the Cenozoic one; they were related to the Paleozoic seed ferns, the Bennettitales and other Mesozoic entomophilous gymnosperms, and the flowering plants, respectively. The earliest long-proboscid nectar feeders, found in the Lower Permian deposits of the Cis-Urals, belong to Protomeropidae (stem-Amphiesmenoptera). The few other Paleozoic insects specialized to nectarivory probably also included some long-proboscid Permochoristidae. The diversity of long-proboscid nectar feeders shows a dramatic increase since the Middle Jurassic. About 70 Mesozoic species with preserved long mouthparts and rostra are known to date; they belong to 12 families and 3 orders (Mecoptera, Neuroptera, and Diptera) and can be clustered into three morphogroups. With the beginning of the Cenozoic the long-proboscid Mecoptera and Neuroptera were supplanted by Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera in the nectar-feeding niche, while Diptera on the whole retained this specialization. Considerable abundance of long-proboscid nectar feeders before the appearance of flowers with hidden nectar indicates that complex pollination systems first evolved in gymnosperms. Therefore, insect pollination cannot be considered the key novelty in flowering plants crucial for their evolutionary success.

The Mantispidae (Neuroptera), commonly known as mantid lacewings or mantispids, are characterized by raptorial forelegs used by adults for predation. They have a fossil history extending to the Early Jurassic. During the past 180 Myr, the lineage has undergone significant evolutionary transformation, exhibiting an elevated diversity in morphology yet retaining the same overall ground plan. Although raptorial foreleg morphology and capture behaviour are well documented in extant insects, they are poorly known for premodern lineages, attributable to the scarcity and poor preservation of fossils. Here, we report two new genera and species of Mantispidae from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar (Burmese) amber. Both taxa have highly specialized raptorial forelegs and highlight modification of capture strategy in Cretaceous Mantispidae. The foreleg of both species has one major spine that is the same length as the foretibia on the ventral surface of the forefemur, which faces the foretibia with a row of robust setae. The two new amber mantid lacewings provide structural and functional indications that represent an extinct mode of capture strategy. The new findings reveal the presence of a geochronologically rapid diversification of Mantispidae during the Early Cretaceous, thereby illuminating the varied morphologies involved in prey-capture strategies integral to the early evolution of mantispids.

Abstract An annotated list of Orthopteroidea of rise paddy fields in Kyzylorda oblast in South Kazakhstan is given. A total of 60 species of orthopteroid insects were identified, belonging to 58 genera from 17 families and 5 orders. Mantids are represented by 3 families, 6 genera and 6 species; cockroaches – by 2 families, 2 genera and 2 species; earwigs – by 3 families, 3 genera and 3 species; sticks insects – by 1 family, 1 genus and 1 species. Orthopterans are most numerous (8 families, 46 genera and 48 species). Of these, three species, Bolivaria brachyptera, Hierodula tenuidentata and Ceraeocercus fuscipennis, are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Celes variabilis and Chrysochraon dispar indicated for the first time for a given location. The fauna of orthopteroid insects in the studied areas of Kyzylorda is compared with other regions of Kazakhstan.

Enigmadipteromantispa dimyi gen. et sp. nov., a new dipteromantispid from the mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar is described, illustrated, characterized, and its taxonomic position is discussed. Enigmadipteromantispa dimyi gen. et sp. nov. is the seventh dipteromantispid to be discovered from the Burmese amber and provides new insight for understanding the palaeobiodiversity of this Cretaceous family.

Ceviz küçük yaprakbiti (Chromaphis juglandicola (Kalt.) (Hem.:Aphididae) ve ceviz yeşil yaprakbiti (Panaphis juglandis) (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Callaphididae) Van gölü havzasındaki önemli ceviz zararlılarıdır. Ceviz yaprağının alt ve üst kısmında ayrı kolonize olan yaprakbitleri, popülasyonlarının yoğun olması durumunda ceviz de kalite ve kantite kayıplarına neden olurlar. Bu çalışmada, zararlıların biyolojik mücadelesine yönelik, en önemli avcılarından biri olan Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)‘nın her iki yaprakbiti ile beslenmesine dayalı popülasyon büyüme oranı parametreleri belirlenmiştir. Denemeler 25±10°C, %65±5 nem ve 16:8 (L:D) h (5.000 lüks) ışıklanma süresi koşullarındaki iklim odalarında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yaşam çizelgesi parametreleri yaş ve döneme bağlı iki eşeyli yaşam çizelgesi yöntemine göre hesaplanmıştır. Chromaphis juglandicola ve Panaphis juglandis ile beslenen C. carnea‘nın kalıtsal üreme yeteneği (r), Üreme gücü sınırı (λ), net üreme gücü (R0) ve ortalama döl süresi (T) sırasıyla 0,082 gün-1, 1,082 gün-1, 59,47 yumurta/generasyon ve 49,76 gün, olarak belirlenmiştir. Bulguların C. carnea tarafından Panaphis juglandis ve Chromaphis juglandicola'nın biyo-kontrollerindeki olası etkileri tartışılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar yaprakbitleri için hazırlanacak mücadele programlarında kullanılabilecektir.

Antlion larvae have a complex tegumentary sensorial equipment. The sensilla and other kinds of larval tegumentary structures have been studied in 29 species of 18 genera within family Myrmeleontidae, all of them with certain degree of psammophilous lifestyle. The adaptations for such lifestyle are probably related to the evolutionary success of this lineage within Neuroptera. We identified eight types of sensory structures, six types of sensilla (excluding typical long bristles) and two other specialized tegumentary structures. Both sensilla and other types of structures that have been observed using scanning electron microscopy show similar patterns in terms of occurrence and density in all the studied species (with few exceptions). The sensilla identified are: coeloconica, placoidea, basiconica, trichodea type I, trichodea type II, and campaniformia. All these sensilla have mechano- or chemosensorial functions. Some regions of the larval body have been studied using SEM for the first time, such as the surface of the food canal, which bears sensilla coeloconica, and the abdominal segment X, that bears three types of sensilla: coeloconica, basiconica, and campaniformia. Sensilla placodea are newly reported on antlion larvae, being present on the mandibular base, pronotum, mentum, and cardum. Also, new locations of sensilla coeloconica (e.g., on rastra) and sensilla campaniformia (e.g., on odontoid processes) are noted. A novel porous texture with chemoreceptor function has been identified in the base of mandibles. A mechanism of dentate-notched surfaces that anchor maxillae and mandible, reinforcing the food canal, is detailed. All these sensorial structures, in addition to ocular tubercles for light caption and their great muscular system, confer to these larvae an extraordinary predation capacity to success hunting and living in such harsh environments.