How do neuropteran larvae feed on their prey?

Neuropteran larvae are carnivorous predators that feed by extracting the internal contents of their prey, typically leaving behind only a hollow skin.1

The feeding mechanism is facilitated by their specialized jaws, which serve as a sucking tube. Each jaw is formed by the mandible positioned above the maxilla; these two parts fit together but remain separable. Because these larvae lack a true mouth, they utilize a pharyngeal pump to draw liquid food directly through these tubular jaws and into the pharynx.2

Depending on the species, these larvae employ various hunting strategies to capture their prey. For example, antlion larvae dig conical pits in sand or dry soil, lying in wait to grasp prey that falls into the trap. Other species may use camouflage, such as carrying debris on their bodies, to remain undetected while hunting. With the exception of the aquatic Sisyridae family, which parasitizes freshwater sponges, most neuropteran larvae are free-living.1