Biodiversity of neuroptera in Mexico

Abstract

Neuropterans or net-winged insects are characterized by possessing broad membranous wings strengthened by an elaborated reticulate venation. They are predators, mainly as larvae, so they are considered a beneficial group that controls some agricultural and horticultural pests. They are found in all temperate and tropical regions of the world, reaching their highest diversity in tropical forest communities and their highest abundance in desert communities and temperate habitats. It is a small order with a world fauna of ca. 5 750 species. It is an old group with strongly distinct families. Six percent of the world fauna has been recorded in Mexico, which is represented by 349 species in 10 families (number of species in parentheses): Myrmeleontidae (102), Chrysopidae (100), Hemerobiidae (50), Coniopterygidae (40), Mantispidae (26), Ascalaphidae (21), Sisyridae (3), Ithonidae (3), Berothidae (3) and Dilaridae (1).