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Family Coniopterygidae
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.
Came to an ultraviolet light in the garden, San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters.
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.
Spotted on Apr 6, 2013
Submitted on Apr 9, 2013
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