Coniopterygidae
DUSTYWING FAMILY (Coniopterygidae)

Description
Dustywings are very small with a body length of about 1/8 inch. The adults are white and are covered with a waxy powder which gives them a granulated appearance. The antennae are long and slender. The legs are long, especially the hind legs. The mouthparts are moderately long and beak-like. The wings are held tent-like over the abdomen when at rest.

Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence in Fontenelle Forest is not known. These insects are rarely seen, possibly due to their small size and crepuscular habits. The adults are only active at dusk and dawn and are found in trees. The photo shown here was of an adult found on the underside of an oak leaf.

Comments
The adults and larvae feed on aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects and white flies. The adults flutter slowly among plants and usually lay a single egg on bark or leaves. The species overwinters as a larva.

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