Editing Neuroptera (section)

==Anatomy and biology==

Neuropterans are soft-bodied insects with relatively few specialized<!--British English--> features. They have large lateral [[compound eye]]s, and may or may not also have [[ocelli]]. Their mouthparts have strong [[mandible (arthropod)|mandibles]] suitable for chewing, and lack the various adaptations found in most other [[Holometabola|holometabolan]] insect groups.

They have four wings, usually similar in size and shape, and a generalised pattern of veins.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Breitkreuz | first1=L. C. V. | last2=Winterton | first2=S. L. | last3=Engel | first3=M. S. | year=2017 | title=Wing tracheation in Chrysopidae and other Neuropterida (Insecta): a resolution of the confusion about vein fusion | journal=American Museum Novitates | issue=3890| pages=1–44 | doi=10.1206/3890.1| s2cid=55878344| url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/159000 }}</ref> Some neuropterans have specialised sense organs in their wings, or have bristles or other structures to link their wings together during flight.<ref name=IIBD>{{cite book |author=Hoell, H. V., Doyen, J. T. & Purcell, A. H. |year=1998 |title=Introduction to Insect Biology and Diversity, 2nd ed. |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=447–450 |isbn=0-19-510033-6}}</ref>

The larvae are specialised predators, with elongated mandibles adapted for piercing and sucking. The larval body form varies between different families, depending on the nature of their prey. In general, however, they have three pairs of thoracic legs, each ending in two claws. The [[abdomen]] often has adhesive discs on the last two segments.<ref name=IIBD/>