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Lacewing (Kempynus)

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Taxonomic group

Osmylidae: Kempynus

Diagnostic features

The larvae of Kempynus lacewings are unlikely to be mistaken for any other insects. They have long tusk-like mouthparts and long antennae projecting well in front of the head. The legs may be pale but otherwise the body is darkly pigmented, with a scattering of long black hairs.

[Kempynus]. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Kempynus. Image: Stephen Moore
[Kempynus]. Long tusk-like mouthparts. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Kempynus. Long tusk-like mouthparts. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Kempynus larvae are usually found along stream margins, including the splash zones of rapids and waterfalls.

Feeding

They are thought to be predators, preying on other stream insects such as chironomid larvae.

Indicator value

  • Hard bottom: 5
  • Soft bottom: unassigned

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Kempynus larvae are not truly aquatic and may not be good indicators of water quality. They have a hard bottom tolerance value of 5 (no value has been assigned for soft bottom sites).