Larvae of brown lacewings (Hemerobiidae, left) and green lacewings (Chrysopidae) are distinguished by the relative length of thoracic segments and an appendage (empodium) on the end of feet. Brown lacewing larvae (e.g., Hemerobius spp.) appear to have a prominent neck because the first thoracic segment (prothorax) is elongated in comparison with the second and third segments. In green lacewings (e.g., Chrysopa and Chrysoperla spp.) each segment with legs is about the same length. A green lacewing on the end of each foot has a long, trumpetlike empodia apparent under magnification. Brown lacewing second and third instars have short, padlike empodia; empodia are elongate only on the tiny first instars. Credit: Peterson A. 1960. Larvae of Insects. Part II. Edwards Brothers. Ann Arbor; MI. Empodia used with permission of H. Peterson. Larvae from Withycombe CL. 1923. Notes on the Biology of some British Neuroptera (Planipennia). Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1922:501�594. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2311.1923.tb02844.x.
