Net-Winged Insects

(Chrysopidae) This family is spread in all major regions of the world and includes more than 1,300 crepuscular or nocturnal species. Adults are of medium size, and their wings are often transparent and glitteringly colourful. The colour of their bodies is usually greenish to brownish. Many species have eyes that shine with gold colours, a characteristic that is considered the main reason for the name of this family. In many species, communication is performed by vibrations, especially during the mating period. While this family is mainly predatory, several groups of species feed only on aphids. Many species of this family like the tree environments. Larvae are predators and actively look for their moving preys. For their camouflage, larvae cover themselves with the leftover of their preys using long bristles on their body. Some species of this family are bred for using them in the biological control of mite pests in agriculture.

(Myrmeleontidae) This global family includes about 2,000 described species living mostly in warm and dry environments. Its global distribution in large areas of the world is attributed to its success in colonizing sandy environments. Adults are medium or big in size and they look somewhat like dragonfly. They fly slowly and for short distances. Adults are nocturnal or crepuscular. While they are usually predators of other smaller insects, some species feed on pollen. Larvae in the whole family feed on insects (Entomophagous) and are recognized by the entrances they build in the sand to hunt the passing-by insects, especially ants. However, many species do not build such traps but remain buried for observation or buried in garbage.