Overview
Green lacewings are one of the largest families of Neuroptera, with about 2000 named species, and very widely distributed. Many aspects of the family are discussed in Canard
et
al
. (1984).
Description
The species are predominantly green and delicate, with fore wing length of 8-30 mm. Most have the wings clear and 'glassy' but some are brightly patterned or spotted. In one Australian genus (
Oligochrysa
) veins Sc and R
1
fuse near the wing apex, but in all other Australian species these veins are linked by short distal cross-veins. The venation is distinctive with some longitudinal veins closely associated, to form a 'pseudomedia' (Psm) and 'pseudocubitus' (Psc), and distinct irregular 'cellules' in both wings. Trichosors are absent and the fore wing jugal lobe is usually reduced.
Distribution
Recent forms are placed in 3 subfamilies, all represented in Australia (New 1980, 1983c). Fossil forms are in a fourth subfamily, Mesochrysopinae.