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Dusty Wing

Family Coniopterygidae

Photo by LaurenZarate
Published on Project Noah
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16.7354, -92.6387

Field Notes

Description:

Tiny blue-grey insect of about 3 mm in length. This is called a Dusty Wing and is of the Family Coniopterygidae of the Order Neuroptera.

Habitat:

Came to an ultraviolet light in the garden, San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters.

Notes:

In general, the adults are quite unlike other net-winged insects of the Neuroptera. With their small size - wingspan is between 1.8 and 5 millimetres - and their translucent wings which are usually covered with the namesake whitish dust of waxy scales. However, like many other Neuroptera, Dusty Wings do carry their wings nearly side-by-side when at rest. They are usually associated with woody plants and the larvae feed on scale, mites and aphids among other small invertebrates, making them a beneficial insect to have around.

Species ID Suggestions

Dustywing

Coniopterygidae (family)

Comments (1)

Thank you Eric, I learned something new today! Very neat little insect.

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