On some morphological abnormalities found in Neuroptera

Cases of morphological abnormalities concerning Neuropterida have been published only rarely. If we neglect the deformities observable less rarely in the wings of the three orders of these insects (Megaloptera, Raphidioptera, Neuroptera), which result from defective adult emergence, or certain modest and recurrent anomalies in wing venation, it seems that these abnormalities are more rare than in other insects, such as Coleoptera, for which particularly striking teratological cases have been reported. The present contribution summarizes records of morphological anomalies in the literature concerning Neuropterida and illustrates three unpublished cases observed by the author in Neuroptera (Myrmeleontidae and Chrysopidae); of special interest is a case of unilateral antennal aplasia.