Sisyridae
Sisyra terminalis
The sponge gorgeous ( Sisyridae ) are a family of lacewings ( Neuroptera ). They are found worldwide with about 60 species in Europe five species are native to a genus of which are found also in Central Europe four.
Features
Sponge gorgeous achieve a forewing length of 4 to 10 millimeters. Their wings are gray or brown and have cost except in Alfeld very few cross- veins. They look similar some types of Taghafte ( Hemerobiidae ).
The larvae have long antennae and thread-like mouthparts, which are flexible. The second and third stage can be seen the seven paired, including tracheal like on the underside of the abdomen. This can be distinguished from similar larvae of the genus Osmylus the Bach gorgeous ( Osmylidae ).
Way of life
The animals are mainly nocturnal and crepuscular. They feed on both living as dead insects, as well as pollen and honeydew.
Development
The females lay their eggs singly or in small groups of plants from which protrude beyond standing or slowly flowing waters. The eggs are thereby covered with a fine weave. You let yourself fall into the water after hatching and develop there aquatic. They parasitize freshwater sponges there Spongillidae the family and freshwater bryozoans ( Phylactolaemata ). They suck with their long mouthparts juice from the tissues of their hosts. You can also use their long feelers for locomotion. After a few weeks to a year they are fully developed. They pupate on land in a protected area, such as under stones or bark in a cocoon. In Europe, they hibernate in this, the larva pupates in it but only in the spring.
Systematics ( Europe)
- Sisyra dalii McLachlan, 1866
- Sisyra iridipennis Costa, 1884
- Sisyra Jutlandica Esben -Petersen, 1915
- Sisyra nigra ( Retzius, 1783)
- Sisyra terminalis Curtis, 1854