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Which neuropteran larvae are parasitic on freshwater sponges?
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neuropteran
Adult green lacewing (Chrysopa species).
The neuropteran larvae that are parasitic on freshwater sponges belong to the family Sisyridae, commonly known as spongillaflies.123
While most neuropteran larvae are free-living and carnivorous, the larvae of the Sisyridae family are unique in their parasitic behavior. These insects deposit their eggs on surfaces near or over the water; once hatched, the larvae enter the water to feed on freshwater sponges. After reaching maturity, they leave the water to spin a double-walled, lacelike cocoon in which they undergo their pupal stage.421