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Ulrike Aspöck - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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First description of male genital sclerites and associated musculature for two members of Coniopterygidae (Insecta: Neuropterida: Neuroptera) based on X-ray microCT imaging.
Arthropod structure & development, 2020Co-Authors: Stephan Handschuh, Ulrike AspöckAbstract:Abstract Coniopterygidae are the dwarfs among the Neuroptera. Despite their miniaturisation, the males are equipped with genital sclerites that are excessively heterogeneous. They function in copulation and sperm transfer and have been widely utilized for species identification, as well being considered of high phylogenetic relevance. The present study is the first to describe the musculature associated with the genital sclerites of two species of Coniopterygidae, Helicoconis lutea ( Wallengren, 1871 ) (Aleuropteryginae), and Coniopteryx pygmaea ( Enderlein, 1906 ) (Coniopteryginae) based on X-ray microCT imaging. We found six pairs of muscles associated with the genital sclerites in H. lutea and seven in C. pygmaea. The images depict other internal organs of the posterior abdominal segments, such as gonads and alimentary canal. In both investigated species, the internal sclerites support the ductus ejaculatorius, which – surprisingly – turned out to be a landmark for the identification of closely adjacent internal sclerites and associated musculature. The interpretation of these sclerites as gonocoxites and gonapophyses of the tenth segment (traditionally denoted as parameres and penis) could be corroborated. Thus it is no longer tenable to assert that possession of a “penis” is exclusive to Coniopterygidae, since this sclerite is part of the ground pattern in Neuroptera. Interactions of genital sclerites and corresponding musculature during copulation are discussed.
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The giant "penis" of a newly described species in the subgenus Scotoconiopteryx from Peru (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae: Coniopteryginae: Coniopteryx).
Zootaxa, 2020Co-Authors: Axel Gruppe, Ulrike AspöckAbstract:The coniopterygid fauna of the Neotropical region is poorly known. The most recent summary was provided by Martins (2019) who noted that 14 species were known from Peru. The subgenus Coniopteryx (Scotoconiopteryx) is endemic to the Neotropical region and comprises 36 species (Meinander 1972; Meinander Penny 1982; Sziraki 2011; Martins Amorim 2016, Sarmiento-Cordero Contreras-Ramos 2019).
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Head anatomy of adult Coniopteryx pygmaea: Effects of miniaturization and the systematic position of Coniopterygidae (Insecta: Neuroptera).
Arthropod structure & development, 2017Co-Authors: Susanne Randolf, Dominique Zimmermann, Ulrike AspöckAbstract:External and internal head structures of adult Coniopteryx pygmaea Enderlein, 1906, one of the smallest known lacewings, are described in detail for the first time. Possible effects of miniaturization and two hypotheses on the phylogenetic position of Coniopterygidae are evaluated and compared with data from literature. Several convergent modifications in C. pygmaea and other miniaturized insect species are outlined, e.g., a relative increase in the size of the brain, simplification of the tracheal system with respect to the number of tracheae, and reduction of the number of ommatidia and diameter of the facets. Further, the ocular ridge is bell-shaped and countersunk into the head capsule. The cuticle is weakly sclerotized and equipped with wax glands which are unique in Neuroptera. The total number of muscles is not affected by miniaturization. The phylogenetic analysis yields Coniopterygidae as sistergroup to the dilarid clade based on one larval character, the shape of the stylets. The enforced basal position of Coniopterygidae is supported by one disputable synapomorphy of the remaining Neuroptera, the presence of paraglossae in adults.
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The first holistic SEM study of Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) - structural evidence and phylogenetic implications
European Journal of Entomology, 2009Co-Authors: Dominique Zimmermann, Waltraud Klepal, Ulrike AspöckAbstract:Adults of two coniopterygid species, Aleuropteryx juniperi Ohm, 1968 (Aleuropteryginae) and Semidalis aleyrodiformis (Stephens, 1836) (Coniopteryginae), were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Interspecific differences in the ultrastructure of the integument of all the major parts of the body were identified and described, and the functional and phylogenetic implications of the differences discussed. Additionally, the enlarged terminal segment of the labial palps of the Coniopterygidae and the Sisyridae, which up to now has been used as an argument for a sister-group relationship between these two families, was subjected to a thorough comparison. The very different morphology makes independent enlargement of the terminal palpal segment in both fami- lies plausible. This finding is congruent with the earlier hypothesis of a sister-group relationship between Coniopterygidae and the dilarid clade, which was proposed on the basis of molecular data, larval morphology and male genital sclerites. Finally, a new classi- fication of the coniopterygid subfamilies is presented based on characters of the larval head (prominence of the ocular region, rela- tive length of sucking stylets). The following relationship is hypothesized: (Brucheiserinae + Coniopteryginae) + Aleuropteryginae, and the implications of this hypothesis for the phylogenetic interpretation of the ultrastructural differences that we found are dis- cussed: (1) The wax glands, as well as plicatures, are interpreted as belonging to the ground pattern of the family Coniopterygidae, and (2) the wax glands are considered to have been reduced in Brucheiserinae and the plicatures in Coniopteryginae. A distinct (though reduced) spiraculum 8 was detected in Semidalis aleyrodiformis; as a consequence the hypothesis that the loss of spiraculum 8 is an autapomorphy of Coniopteryginae is refuted.
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Phylogenetic relevance of the genital sclerites of Neuropterida (Insecta: Holometabola)
Systematic Entomology, 2008Co-Authors: Ulrike Aspöck, Horst AspöckAbstract:Segment 9 of male Raphidioptera, comprising tergite, sternite, gonocoxites, gonostyli and gonapophyses, is a benchmark for homologies in the male and female terminalia of the three Neuropterida orders Raphidioptera, Megaloptera and Neuroptera. The segments relating to genitalia are 9, 10 and 11 in males and 7, 8 and 9 in females. Results from holomorphological and recent molecular cladistic analyses of Neuropterida agree in supporting the sister-group relationships between: (1) the Raphidioptera and the clade Megaloptera + Neuroptera, and (2) the suborder Nevrorthiformia and all other Neuroptera. The main discrepancy between the results of these studies is the nonmonophyly of the suborder Hemerobiiformia in the molecular analysis. The monophyly of the Megaloptera (which has been repeatedly questioned) is further corroborated by a hitherto overlooked ground pattern autapomorphy: the presence of eversible sacs within the complex of the fused gonocoxites 11 in Corydalidae and Sialidae. The recently discovered paired complex of gonocoxites 10 (parameres) in Nipponeurorthus (Nevrorthidae) indicates that the curious apex of sternite 9 of Nevrorthus and Austroneurorthus is the amalgamation of the sclerites of gonocoxites 10 with sternite 9, interpreted as synapomorphic. In the molecular study, the Nevrorthidae, Sisyridae and Osmylidae branch off in consecutive splitting events, a result that is supported by the analysis of male genital sclerites reported here. Extraordinary parallel apomorphies (e.g. excessive enlargement and modification of gonocoxites 10 ending in a thread-like ‘penisfilum’) in derived representatives of Coniopterygidae, Berothidae, Rhachiberothidae and Mantispidae corroborate the dilarid clade of the morphological analysis and leads us to hypothesize a sister-group relationship of the Coniopterygidae with the dilarid clade. A re-interpretation of the tignum of Chrysopidae as gonocoxites 11 means that the structure previously called the gonarcus represents the fused gonocoxites 9. In Hemerobiidae, the corresponding sclerite is consequently also homologized as fused gonocoxites 9. The enlargement of the lateral wings of the gonocoxites in both families is interpreted as a synapomorphy. Excessive enlargement of gonostyli 11 in the Polystoechotid clade and Myrmeleontiformia supports a sister-group relationship of these two clades. The occurrence of certain serial homologues of female genitalia structures (gonocoxites and gonapophyses), such as the digitiform processus together with the flat appendices in segment 8 of certain Myrmeleontidae, or the wart-like processus together with the flat circular sclerites in segment 7 of certain Berothidae, as well as the presence of gonocoxites 8 as pseudosternites in certain Nemopteridae and Coniopterygidae, are probably character reversals. The digitiform processus of tergite 9 (pseudogonocoxites) in Rhachiberothidae and Austroberothella (Berothidae) are either independently developed acquisitions with a function in oviposition, or are homologous sclerites, possibly of epipleurite origin.
György Sziráki - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Data on the Dusty Lacewing Fauna of Northwestern Argentina with Description of a New Species (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Psyche: A Journal of Entomology, 2012Co-Authors: György Sziráki, Norman D. PennyAbstract:Coniopterygidae material collected in two northwestern provinces of Argentina contained six described and one hitherto undescribed species. A list of the determined coniopterygids and the description of a new Incasemidalis species is given. Distinctive features of the species belonging to subgenus Stangesemidalis also are discussed.
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An unusual species of Cryptoscenea Enderlein, 1914 from Western Australia (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Genus. International Journal of Invertebrate Taxonomy, 2012Co-Authors: György Sziráki, Shaun L. WintertonAbstract:Cryptoscenea maior sp. n., an unusually large-bodied species of the genus Cryptoscenea with distinct wing pattern is described from south - western Australia. The specimens of the new dusty lacewing species were observed as predators of the scale insect Eucalyptococcus gisleni (oSSiannilSSon, 1954) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).
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A Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) rovarcsalád taxonómiai vizsgálata és monografikus feldolgozása = Taxonomical investigation and monographic treatment of the insect family Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera)
2009Co-Authors: György SzirákiAbstract:13 uj fajt irtam le, vagy ismertem fol D-Amerikabol, az Egyesult Arab Emiratusokbol es Magyarorszagrol, es 21-et, mint az adott orszagok faunajara ujat. Az ismert elterjedesi teruletet 12 faj eseteben noveltem meg jelentősen. A Xeroconiopteryx alnem uj Magyarorszag faunajara nezve. Leirtam a Brucheiser penai larvajat, es ezzel igazoltam, hogy a faj altal kepviselt szupraspecifikus taxon helye alcsaladkent a Neuroptera rendben es a Coniopterygidae csaladban van. Leirtam a Brucheiserinae alcsalad masodik genuszat - ket uj fajjal, es filogenetikailag ertekeltem ilyen szempontbol kiemelkedő jelentősegű belyegeiket. Tarsszerzőkkel elkeszitettem a Coniopterygidae csalad szupraspecifikus taxonjainak digitalis hatarozojat. Megallapitottam, hogy a Stangesemidalis taxon a Parasemidalis genuszba tartozik, amelyet harom alnemre osztottam. Szinonimizaltam a Drepanoconis alnemet. Ot faj eseteben helyesbitettem a genuszba, illetve alnembe sorolast, 12 fajrol megallapitottam, hogy szinonimizalasuk nem volt megalapozott, 6 esetben pedig azt, hogy a bizonyos fajok elterő alakjanak tekintett, es ily modon leirt peldanyok onallo fajokat kepviselnek. Uj, illetve modositott fajcsoport rendszert dolgoztam ki tobb alnem es genusz eseteben.Tobb faj nősteny belső genitaliajat tanulmanyoztam; kozuluk harom olyan genuszt kepvisel, ahol korabban ilyen vizsgalat nem volt. Elkeszitettem egy, a Coniopterygidae csaladra vonatkozo osszefoglalo munka keziratat. | 13 new species were described or recognized from S. America, from the United Arab Emirates and from Hungary and 21 as new to the fauna of the given countries. The known area was distinctly enlarged in the case of 12 species. The subgenus Xeroconiopteryx, is new also to Hungary. I have described the larva of Brucheiser penai, and confirmed that the supraspecific taxon representing by this species belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Coniopterygidae at subfamily rank. I have described the second genus of the subfamily Brucheiserinae, with 2 new species, and evaluated their characters of great phylogenetic importance. A digital key was made (with coauthors) for the supraspecific taxa of Coniopterygidae. It was pointed out that Stangesemidalis belongs to the genus Parasemidalis, and the latter was devided three subgenera. The subgenus Drepanoconis was synonymized. The generic or subgeneric combination of 5 species were modified. It was pointed out that synonymization of 12 species was not founded enough. It was demonstrated in other 6 case, that some forms which were described as modifications of known species are specimens of undescribed species. System of new or modified species groups was worked out in some genera and subgenera. Female internal genitalia of some species were studied. Three of this species represent such genera, where these organs hitherto were not investigated. The manuscript of a comprehensive work on the family Coniopterygidae was described.
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a Coniopterygidae neuroptera rovarcsalad taxonomiai vizsgalata es monografikus feldolgozasa taxonomical investigation and monographic treatment of the insect family Coniopterygidae neuroptera
2009Co-Authors: György SzirákiAbstract:13 uj fajt irtam le, vagy ismertem fol D-Amerikabol, az Egyesult Arab Emiratusokbol es Magyarorszagrol, es 21-et, mint az adott orszagok faunajara ujat. Az ismert elterjedesi teruletet 12 faj eseteben noveltem meg jelentősen. A Xeroconiopteryx alnem uj Magyarorszag faunajara nezve. Leirtam a Brucheiser penai larvajat, es ezzel igazoltam, hogy a faj altal kepviselt szupraspecifikus taxon helye alcsaladkent a Neuroptera rendben es a Coniopterygidae csaladban van. Leirtam a Brucheiserinae alcsalad masodik genuszat - ket uj fajjal, es filogenetikailag ertekeltem ilyen szempontbol kiemelkedő jelentősegű belyegeiket. Tarsszerzőkkel elkeszitettem a Coniopterygidae csalad szupraspecifikus taxonjainak digitalis hatarozojat. Megallapitottam, hogy a Stangesemidalis taxon a Parasemidalis genuszba tartozik, amelyet harom alnemre osztottam. Szinonimizaltam a Drepanoconis alnemet. Ot faj eseteben helyesbitettem a genuszba, illetve alnembe sorolast, 12 fajrol megallapitottam, hogy szinonimizalasuk nem volt megalapozott, 6 esetben pedig azt, hogy a bizonyos fajok elterő alakjanak tekintett, es ily modon leirt peldanyok onallo fajokat kepviselnek. Uj, illetve modositott fajcsoport rendszert dolgoztam ki tobb alnem es genusz eseteben.Tobb faj nősteny belső genitaliajat tanulmanyoztam; kozuluk harom olyan genuszt kepvisel, ahol korabban ilyen vizsgalat nem volt. Elkeszitettem egy, a Coniopterygidae csaladra vonatkozo osszefoglalo munka keziratat. | 13 new species were described or recognized from S. America, from the United Arab Emirates and from Hungary and 21 as new to the fauna of the given countries. The known area was distinctly enlarged in the case of 12 species. The subgenus Xeroconiopteryx, is new also to Hungary. I have described the larva of Brucheiser penai, and confirmed that the supraspecific taxon representing by this species belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Coniopterygidae at subfamily rank. I have described the second genus of the subfamily Brucheiserinae, with 2 new species, and evaluated their characters of great phylogenetic importance. A digital key was made (with coauthors) for the supraspecific taxa of Coniopterygidae. It was pointed out that Stangesemidalis belongs to the genus Parasemidalis, and the latter was devided three subgenera. The subgenus Drepanoconis was synonymized. The generic or subgeneric combination of 5 species were modified. It was pointed out that synonymization of 12 species was not founded enough. It was demonstrated in other 6 case, that some forms which were described as modifications of known species are specimens of undescribed species. System of new or modified species groups was worked out in some genera and subgenera. Female internal genitalia of some species were studied. Three of this species represent such genera, where these organs hitherto were not investigated. The manuscript of a comprehensive work on the family Coniopterygidae was described.
Sziráki György - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) rovarcsalád taxonómiai vizsgálata és monografikus feldolgozása = Taxonomical investigation and monographic treatment of the insect family Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera)
OTKA, 2009Co-Authors: Sziráki GyörgyAbstract:13 új fajt írtam le, vagy ismertem föl D-Amerikából, az Egyesült Arab Emirátusokból és Magyarországról, és 21-et, mint az adott országok faunájára újat. Az ismert elterjedési területet 12 faj esetében növeltem meg jelentősen. A Xeroconiopteryx alnem új Magyarország faunájára nézve. Leírtam a Brucheiser penai lárváját, és ezzel igazoltam, hogy a faj által képviselt szupraspecifikus taxon helye alcsaládként a Neuroptera rendben és a Coniopterygidae családban van. Leírtam a Brucheiserinae alcsalád második génuszát - két új fajjal, és filogenetikailag értékeltem ilyen szempontból kiemelkedő jelentőségű bélyegeiket. Társszerzőkkel elkészítettem a Coniopterygidae család szupraspecifikus taxonjainak digitális határozóját. Megállapítottam, hogy a Stangesemidalis taxon a Parasemidalis génuszba tartozik, amelyet három alnemre osztottam. Szinonimizáltam a Drepanoconis alnemet. Öt faj esetében helyesbítettem a génuszba, illetve alnembe sorolást, 12 fajról megállapítottam, hogy szinonimizálásuk nem volt megalapozott, 6 esetben pedig azt, hogy a bizonyos fajok eltérő alakjának tekintett, és ily módon leírt példányok önálló fajokat képviselnek. Új, illetve módosított fajcsoport rendszert dolgoztam ki több alnem és génusz esetében.Több faj nőstény belső genitáliáját tanulmányoztam; közülük három olyan génuszt képvisel, ahol korábban ilyen vizsgálat nem volt. Elkészítettem egy, a Coniopterygidae családra vonatkozó összefoglaló munka kéziratát. | 13 new species were described or recognized from S. America, from the United Arab Emirates and from Hungary and 21 as new to the fauna of the given countries. The known area was distinctly enlarged in the case of 12 species. The subgenus Xeroconiopteryx, is new also to Hungary. I have described the larva of Brucheiser penai, and confirmed that the supraspecific taxon representing by this species belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Coniopterygidae at subfamily rank. I have described the second genus of the subfamily Brucheiserinae, with 2 new species, and evaluated their characters of great phylogenetic importance. A digital key was made (with coauthors) for the supraspecific taxa of Coniopterygidae. It was pointed out that Stangesemidalis belongs to the genus Parasemidalis, and the latter was devided three subgenera. The subgenus Drepanoconis was synonymized. The generic or subgeneric combination of 5 species were modified. It was pointed out that synonymization of 12 species was not founded enough. It was demonstrated in other 6 case, that some forms which were described as modifications of known species are specimens of undescribed species. System of new or modified species groups was worked out in some genera and subgenera. Female internal genitalia of some species were studied. Three of this species represent such genera, where these organs hitherto were not investigated. The manuscript of a comprehensive work on the family Coniopterygidae was described
Michael S. Engel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A new dustywing (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) from the Early Cretaceous amber of Spain
Palaeoentomology, 2019Co-Authors: Ricardo Pérez-de La Fuente, Michael S. Engel, Xavier Delclòs, Enrique PeñalverAbstract:A new Cretaceous dustywing, Soplaoconis ortegablancoi gen. et sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae), is described from four specimens preserved in Early Cretaceous (Albian, ~105Ma) El Soplao amber (Cantabria, northern Spain). Two additional specimens are assigned to this new taxon. A crossvenational abnormality on an area of diagnostic significance from one of the holotype’s forewings provides a reminder of the importance of not ruling out character plasticity or teratoses when evaluating palaeodiversity. A comment on the possible palaeoecological significance of the co-occurrence as syninclusions of plant trichomes with the holotype of S. ortegablancoi and seven of the eleven described Burmese amber dustywing species is provided.
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Two new genera of Cretaceous dustywings in amber from northern Myanmar (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Novitates Paleoentomologicae, 2016Co-Authors: Michael S. EngelAbstract:Two new genera and species are added to the fauna of dustywings (Coniopterygidae) preserved in Upper Cretaceous (earliest Cenomanian) amber of northern Myanmar, doubling the described diversity from this deposit. One genus is of the subfamily Aleuropteryginae and described as Achlyoconis heptatrichia Engel, new genus and species. This species is noteworthy for the infumate and patterned wings and unique presence of seven prominent setae positioned on thickenings occurring along the length of the forewing media. Paranimboa litotes Engel, new genus and species, is representative of the subfamily Coniopteryginae and distinctive among Mesozoic groups for the unbranched Rs, among other traits. In addition, a peculiar larva preserved alongside the holotype of P. litotes is described. While having a prothoracic and head form similar to aleuropterygines as well as a labial palpus with only two palpomeres, diagnostic for Coniopterygidae, the antenna bears four articles rather than the two present in crown-group dustywings. A revised key to the genera of Cretaceous Coniopterygidae is provided.
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A New Genus of Dustywings Allied to Archiconiocompsa in Baltic Amber (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, 2010Co-Authors: Michael S. EngelAbstract:A new genus and species of dustywing is described and figured from Baltic amber. Geroconiocompsa ostara, new genus and species, is closely allied to Archiconiocompsa Enderlein (Coniopterygidae: Aleuropteryginae), itself known from a single Eocene amber species (Archiconiocompsa prisca Enderlein) and tentatively assigned to the Coniocompsini. The new genus shares with Archiconiocompsa the deeply forked forewing M, Cu forked near the wing base, two crossveins between Cu and A1, sc-r present in the forewing, Sc2 not joining Sc1 in the hind wing, and crossveins present between Cu1 and Cu2, and A1 and A2 in the hind wing, but has a more primitive form of venation in the connection of the posterior branch of Rs (R4+5) to the anterior branch of M (M1+2), the shorter distal abscissa of Sc1, and the hind wing r1 -rs distad the Rs fork, features reminiscent of many Aleuropterygini. The new genus further bridges the morphological gap between Coniocompsini and Aleuropterygini highlighting that the former may render t...
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the neuropterid fauna of dominican and mexican amber neuropterida megaloptera neuroptera
American Museum Novitates, 2007Co-Authors: Michael S. Engel, David A GrimaldiAbstract:Abstract The neuropterid fauna of early Miocene Dominican and Oligocene-Miocene Mexican amber is treated. The fauna consists entirely of Megaloptera and Neuroptera while the snakeflies (Raphidioptera) are not presently known in Tertiary ambers from the New World. Fifteen species are recognized, all in living genera and subgenera: Sialidae, Sialis (Protosialis) casca, new species (Dominican); Ascalaphidae, Ululodes paleonesia, new species (Dominican), Amoea electrodominica, new species (Dominican); Chrysopidae, Chrysopa glaesaria, new species (Dominican), C. vetula, new species (Dominican), Leucochrysa (Nodita) prisca, new species (Dominican); Coniopterygidae, Coniopteryx antiquua, new species (Dominican), Spiloconis glaesaria Meinander (Dominican), S. oediloma, new species (Dominican); Hemerobiidae, Notiobiella thaumasta Oswald (Dominican), Sympherobius sp. (Dominican); Mantispidae, Dicromantispa electromexicana, new species (Mexican), D. moronei, new species (Dominican); Feroseta prisca Poinar, nomen eme...
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The Dustywings in cretaceous Burmese amber (Insecta: Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 2004Co-Authors: Michael S. EngelAbstract:Synopsis The dustywing fauna (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) of Upper Albian Burmese amber is revised. Two species are recognised, one belonging to the subfamily Aleuropteryginae and one to the Coniopteryginae. The aleuropterygine species is placed in the genus Glaesoconis (Glaesoconis baliopteryx sp. nov.), a previously known fontenelleine genus from New Jersey and Siberian ambers. The apparent coniopterygine differs in several features of wing venation and is therefore placed in its own tribe: Phthanoconini nov. (Phthanoconis burmitica gen. et sp. nov.). A revised key to Cretaceous dustywing genera is provided.
H. L. Nemeschkal - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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cladistic analysis of neuroptera and their systematic position within neuropterida insecta holometabola neuropterida neuroptera
Systematic Entomology, 2001Co-Authors: Ulrike Aspöck, John Plant, H. L. NemeschkalAbstract:Summary A phylogenetic analysis of Neuroptera using thirty-six predominantly morphological characters of adults and larvae is presented. This is the first computerized cladistic analysis at the ordinal level. It included nineteen species representing seventeen families of Neuroptera, three species representing two families (Sialidae and both subfamilies of Corydalidae) of Megaloptera, two species representing two families of Raphidioptera and as prime outgroup one species of a family of Coleoptera. Ten equally most parsimonious cladograms were found, of which one is selected and presented in detail. The results are discussed in light of recent results from mental phylogenetic cladograms. The suborders Nevrorthi- formia, Myrmeleontiformia and Hemerobiiformia received strong support, however Nevrorthiformia formed the adelphotaxon of Myrmeleontiformia + Hemerobiiformia (former sister group of Myrmeleontiformia only). In Myrmeleontiformia, the sister-group relationships between Psychopsidae + Nemopteridae and Nymphidae + (Myrmeleontidae + Ascalaphidae) are corroborated. In Hemerobiiformia, Ithonidae + Polystoechotidae is confirmed as the sister group of the remaining families. Dilaridae + (Mantispidae + (Rhachiberothidae + Berothidae)), which has already been proposed, is confirmed. Chrysopidae + Osmylidae emerged as the sister group of a clade comprising Hemerobiidae + ((Coniopterygidae + Sisyridae) + (dilarid clade)). Despite the sister-group relationship of Coniopterygidae + Sisyridae being only weakly supported, the position of Coniopterygidae within the higher Hemerobiiformia is corroborated. At the ordinal level, the analysis provided clear support for the hypothesis that Megaloptera + Neuroptera are sister groups, which upsets the conventional Megaloptera + Raphidioptera hypothesis.