Fig. 44.—Myrmeleon Larva.
Fig. 45.—Nemoptera Coa.
Family 2, Hemerobiidæ.—The second sub-family contains the Lacewing Flies, many representatives of which occur in the British Isles. They are among the most elegant and beautiful of the Neuroptera.
The Golden-eyed Fly (Chrysopa vulgaris) is a very abundant and well-known example, but notwithstanding its great beauty it is capable of emitting a very disagreeable odour when handled. This is a delicate green insect with a body half an inch long, and which may be seen almost everywhere on warm summer evenings, flying slowly about from tree to tree. The eggs, which are little round or oval bodies like small pearls, are deposited by the female in groups upon the leaves of plants and trees. The larva when fullfed is about half an inch in length. The food consists of plant lice and aphides, and it is thus a very beneficial creature, and should be encouraged by every gardener. The pupa of this insect is enclosed in a cocoon. Between thirty and forty species of lacewing flies are known to occur in our own country.
Fig. 46.—Chrysopa Septempunctata.
Fig. 47.—Mantis Pagana.