Family SISYRIDAE
Compiler and date details
T.R. New La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
Introduction
Sisyridae, 'spongeflies', derive their common name from the specialised larval habit of feeding on freshwater sponges and bryozoans (Parfin & Gurney 1956). Adults are small brownish lacewings found near water; larvae are very distinctive in having ventral abdominal gills in the second and third instars and long straight jaws.
The Australian species have not been reviewed comprehensively, and the two genera recorded are both geographically widespread. A number of undescribed species were listed by Monserrat (1977). The family appears to be most diverse in the east of the continent. World species were listed by Monserrat (1977).
General References
Monserrat, V.J. 1977. A systematic and alphabetical list of Neurorthidae and Sisyridae (Neuroptera). Nouvelle Revue d'Entomologie 7: 91-96
Parfin, S.I. & Gurney, A.B. 1956. The spongilla-flies, with special reference to those of the western hemisphere (Sisyridae, Neuroptera). Proceedings of the United States National Museum 105: 421-529
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |