Neoptera

insect infraclass

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Neoptera is a major division of winged insects, the subclass Pterygota. Insects in this group can fold their wings over their abdomen when not in use. This ability distinguishes them from the Paleoptera, which include mayflies and dragonflies, whose wings are held outstretched or above the body.12

The neopterous stock is believed to be the ancestor of most insect orders. Examples of neopterous insects include grasshoppers, stoneflies, termites, earwigs, lacewings, ants, wasps, beetles, flies, fleas, and butterflies. This group diversified significantly, leading to the vast array of insect species present today.3

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insect
Annotated classification
Infraclass Neoptera Winged; wings flexible, able to fold onto abdomen. Superorder Exopterygota (hemimetabola) Metamorphosis simple, sometimes slight; pupal instar rarely present; wings develop externally; immature stages commonly resemble adults in structure and habits. Order Plecoptera
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Infraclass Neoptera Winged; wings flexible, able to fold onto abdomen. Superorder Exopterygota (hemimetabola) Metamorphosis simple, sometimes slight; pupal instar rarely present; wings develop externally; immature stages commonly resemble adults in structure and habits. Order Plecoptera
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insect
Wings and flight
Throughout the Neoptera there is a wing-flexing mechanism (secondarily lost in butterflies) that enables the wings to be folded back to rest on the surface of the abdomen.
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Throughout the Neoptera there is a wing-flexing mechanism (secondarily lost in butterflies) that enables the wings to be folded back to rest on the surface of the abdomen.
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