Discover the uniqueness of vein-winged insects

In the insect world, species of the order Neuroptera possess ribbed wings that fold like a canopy over their bodies. Their diversity in color and morphology surprises many people.

The green veined beetle (Chrysopa perla) is 1 - 1.2 cm long and is widely distributed in Europe. Its wings have a bluish-green sheen and characteristic black streaks. It lives in deciduous forests.

The 1.2 cm long Drepanepteryx phalaenoides is found in Europe and parts of East Asia. It can fold its head inside its large wings as a form of camouflage. It is often found in forests.

The dragonfly (Libelloides macaronius) is 3cm long and is found in Central and Southern Europe and parts of Asia. It hunts small insects and flies only on sunny days.

The Styrian mantis (Mantispa styriaca) is a 1.4cm long insect found in southern and central Europe. This woodland insect looks like a miniature version of a praying mantis. It preys on small flies.

The spoonbill beetle (Nemoptera sinuata) is 4cm long and is common in southeastern Europe. This slender insect with unusually elongated hind wings feeds on nectar and pollen in forests or open grasslands.

The Great Forest Lacewing (Osmylus fulvicephalus) is 1.5 cm long and is widely distributed in Europe. It feeds on small insects and pollen and lives in shady forest vegetation near streams.

The ant dragonfly (Palpares libelloides) is a 5-6cm long insect found around the Mediterranean. This diurnal flying insect has distinctive spotted wings and is commonly found in rough grasslands and shrubs.