Life history, ecology and taxonomy of Sisyra (Insecta: Neuroptera) from the Cut River, Roscommon County, Michigan

The life history and ecology of Sisyra (Insecta: Neuroptera) was studied at the Cut River and in the laboratory. Using our protocol it is feasible to rear Sisyra in the laboratory. Eggs did not develop into first instar larvae, possibly because they were not fertilized. Results of behavior experiments indicate that larval sisyrids exhibit a significant host relocation behavior which may be a form of homing. Homing could be a survival strategy. Stained bacteria, utilized as a tracer in a feeding ecology experiment, were not observed in larval gut contents after exposure times of 0, 15, 30, 120, and 180 minutes. Taxonomic placement of adults to the species level is difficult due to the high degree of variability in wing veination patterns; further work needs to be done to determine a more stable characteristic.