Neuroptera and Raphidioptera in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve

Abstract

The fauna of Neuroptera and Raphidioptera of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve has been studied during 2008–2016. It includes 21 and one species of the studied groups, respectively. The majority of species was collected on low vegetation (including undergrowth of deciduous trees) in clearings and fire-breaks of the forests, openings, meadows, grasslands and forest edges. The most abundant lacewing species is Chrysopa perla. Such typical chortobiots (i.e., living on herbaceous plants) as Micromus angulatus, M. variegatus, Chrysopa walkeri, Ch. phyllochroma, Ch. commata and Ch. abbreviata were recorded. However, the arboreal complex is still not understood completely. For example, only one species, which is characteristic for Pinus (Chrysopa dorsalis) was found, and no species was found on Picea. Typical arboreal lacewings (e.g., Nineta vittata, N. alpicola and Chrysotropia ciliata), which are typical for deciduous trees, are represented by few specimens.

Keywords

• fauna
• insects
• Mordovia State Nature Reserve
• Neuroptera
• Raphidioptera