Aphis-lions

(Family Hemerobiidae.)

The insects of this group are medium-sized or large lace-winged flies, the wings being often rather dark colored and spotted with dark spots. There are about thirty species in the United States.

Their larvae are active, predatory creatures, with long, pointed, sickle-shaped jaws, with which they pierce the bodies of plant-lice and other soft insects, sucking their juices through grooves along the inside of each jaw. Some of these larvae are furnished with tubercles along the side of the body, the tubercles being clothed with hair, and they have the curious habit of covering themselves with the skins of victims which they have destroyed. The tubercles and the long hairs serve to hold these remains in place. One of these little larvae will thus disguise itself to such an extent that it cannot be recognized as an insect. The cocoons are spherical.

There are some very interesting forms belonging to this family which are aquatic in their early stages. Needham says that those of the genus Sisyra are very curious-looking objects in the larval stage. They live in or on fresh water sponges, clinging closely to the surface of the sponge or hiding in it, covering themselves with debris. Those of the genus Climacia are also aquatic in the early stages, according to Needham, living in the same places.

A good representative full life history is needed in this family.