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What predators eat neuropteran adults and larvae?
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neuropteran
Adult green lacewing (Chrysopa species).
Neuropteran adults and larvae are subject to predation by a variety of animals within their ecosystems.
- Invertebrate Predators: Spiders are significant predators that capture both adults and terrestrial larvae in their webs. Other predaceous insects, such as ants and the larvae of coccinellid beetles (also known as ladybird beetles), also prey upon neuropteran eggs and larvae. Additionally, other neuropterans may consume them.1
- Vertebrate Predators: Birds and bats are known to prey upon neuropteran adults and larvae.1
While neuropteran larvae are generally carnivorous and predaceous themselves, they serve as a vital component of the food web, facing pressure from these various natural enemies throughout their life cycle.21