Description

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Context:

Researchers have found two rare Order Neuroptera species, Glenochrysa zeylanica and Indophanes barbara from Kerala.

About Neuroptera Species

Species

Family

Key Characteristics

Additional Information

Indophanes barbara

Myrmeleontidae

Larvae do not build burrows like common ant species.

Live below the surface in loose soils, protected from sunlight, wind, and rain.

Adults have long distinct antennae.

Often misidentified as damselflies due to morphological similarity.

Belongs to the order Neuroptera (holometabolous insects).

Glenochrysa zeylanica

Chrysopidae

A green bug from the Neuroptera order.

Rediscovered after 111 years in Wayanad district (Mananthavada and Thirunella).

Previously considered endemic to Sri Lanka.

First report from India.

What is a species of Neuroptera?

It is one of a group of insects commonly called lacewings because of the intricate veining on the wings that gives them a lacy appearance.
Habitat: Adult neuropterans are terrestrial and are mostly associated with aerial parts of plants where they settle or hunt for prey.
Ecological importance: Neuropterans are used in agriculture due to their predatory behavior. The voracious feeding ability, as well as the active mobile search for prey revealed by the larvae of species, especially Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, and Coniopterygidae, make them active biological control of the most important pests in agriculture and horticulture.

Research funding and support

The research conducted by Shadpada Entomology Research Lab received financial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. The laboratory focuses on the study of lesser-known organisms contributing to the understanding of the diversity of insects in the region.

Implications for biodiversity research

Discoveries of these species speak to the importance of continued entomological research. They highlight Kerala's rich biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts. The findings also indicate potential undiscovered species in the region encouraging further exploration and study.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements correctly describes a species of Neuroptera?

It is commonly referred to as a lacewing due to the intricate veining on its wings that gives them a lacy appearance.
Adult neuropterans are mostly aquatic and primarily found in aquatic ecosystems.
Neuropterans play a significant role in agriculture by acting as biological control agents for important pests.
The larvae of Neuroptera species are non-predatory and feed primarily on plant material.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 and 4 only

C) 1, 3, and 4 only

D) 2 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Neuroptera, including species like lacewings, are known for their intricate veining on their wings, which gives them a lacy appearance.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Adult neuropterans are primarily terrestrial and are mostly associated with the aerial parts of plants.

Statement 3 is correct: Neuropterans, due to their predatory behavior, are used in agriculture as biological control agents to manage pests.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The larvae of many Neuroptera species, such as Chrysopidae, are predatory and hunt for pests.