Osmylidae
Stenosmylus sp.
The Bach gorgeous ( Osmylidae ) are a family of lacewings ( Neuroptera ), which is common with the exception of North America around the world. It comprises about 160 species in Europe is just one genus with three species native. They are probably close to the lacewings ( Chrysopidae ) were used.
Features
Bach gorgeous achieve a forewing length of 15 to 30 mm. They have large wings, whose veins form a net-like structure. In the European species the wings are spotted. The thread-like probe of the animals are relatively short. In addition to the compound eyes of the animals also have three simple eyes ( ocelli ). Just like the lacewings also have the Bach gorgeous glands in the prothorax, with which they can emit a foul smelling odor.
The larvae have a long and narrow body and long as mouthparts, thread-like suction tubes that are slightly curved outward. At the end of the abdomen they carry two eversible processes on which tick sit. With these they can both move as also take prey.
Way of life
The adults are diurnal or crepuscular. You can only fly poorly and live predominantly predatory, but also eat pollen. The females lay their eggs in part in the vicinity of water from. The larvae of European species are predators along the banks of water bodies and live partly in water and partly on land.
Systematics ( Europe)
- Osmylus Osmylus elegantissimus Kozhantshikov, 1951
- European Bach adhesion ( Osmylus fulvicephalus ) ( Scopoli, 1763)
- Osmylus multiguttatus McLachlan, 1870