Neuroptera

1 9.9

A group of insects with thin, net-like wings like lacewings and antlions

noun
/nʊˈrɒptərə/

Specialized

: neuropteros

Many Neuroptera are beneficial for gardens.

Examples

Some members of the Neuroptera are beneficial predators in garden ecosystems.
The Neuroptera order includes fascinating insects.
Entomologists studied various species within the order Neuroptera for their ecological importance.
The Neuroptera are easily recognized by their delicate, lace-like wings.
The lacewing, which belongs to the order Neuroptera, is known for its intricate, net-veined wings.
In a garden, you might spot various insects from the order Neuroptera, such as lacewings and antlions.
The Neuroptera order includes species that play important roles in controlling pest populations.

Surface Forms

Neuroptera singular

Neuropteras plural

Morphology

Neuroptera = neuro + ptera

This is a learned scientific taxonomic term built from classical combining forms, so an average B1 learner would not be able to infer the insect-order meaning from the parts alone.

Etymology

Neuroptera comes from the Greek parts neuro- meaning 'nerve' and -ptera meaning 'wings'. Their wings have many thin veins and look like a net or lace, so the name refers to their 'nerve-like' wing pattern.