Neuroptera Species
10.01.2025
Neuroptera Species
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For Prelims: About Neuroptera, About Indophanes barbara, About Glenochrysa zeylanica |
Why in the news?
Researchers have found two rare Order Neuroptera species, Glenochrysa zeylanica and Indophanes barbara from Kerala.
About Neuroptera:
- It is a group of insects commonly called lacewings because of the complex vein patterns in the wings, giving them a lacy appearance.
- Neuropteran adults are terrestrial and mostly associated with the aerial parts of plants, where they settle or hunt for prey.
Ecological Significance:
- Due to their predatory behaviour, they are used in agriculture.
- The voracious feeding capability, as well as active mobile prey-searching behaviour revealed by the larvae of species particularly of Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, and Coniopterygidae makes them active biological control agents of most important pests of agriculture and horticulture.
About Indophanes barbara:
- It is an antlion (a type of insect) belonging to the Myrmeleontidae family.
- The larva of Indophanes barbara does not build pits like common antlion species.
- They live under the surface in loose soils where they are protected from direct sunlight, wind and rain.
- Adults of Indophanes barbara are misidentified as damselflies by non-taxonomists because of their morphological resemblance.
- It can be easily distinguished by their long distinct antennae.
- They come under Order Neuroptera, which includes holometabolous insects while the damselflies come under Order Odonata, which includes hemimetabolous insects
About Glenochrysa zeylanica:
- It is a green lacewing of Chrysopidae family in Order Neuroptera.
- It was rediscovered after 111 years from Mananthavady and Thirunelly in Wayanad district.
- This species, previously thought to be endemic to Sri Lanka, has been rediscovered from the State and reported for the first time from India.
Source: The Hindu
‘Indophanes Barbara’ and ‘Glenochrysa zeylanica’, recently seen in the news, are:
A.Gecko
B.Butterflies
C.Invasive plant species
D.Neuroptera species
Answer D