Arthropods (Arthropoda)---Insects (Insecta)---Net-winged Insects (Neuroptera)----Dustywings (Coniopterygidae)
Dustywings (Bug Guide link to more pictures of better condition specimens) are an apparently uncommon to rare kind of insect in the order Neuroptera. They strongly resemble Whiteflies but are larger, have broader wings, have longer legs and antennae and at rest they hold their wings in a sharper Tent position. Larva resemble mites and are small and red with 5 white spots.
13th June, 2008. A slightly worn Dustywing.
21st June, 2008. The dusty effect on this one's body has worn away.
Feeding[]
Just like their larger transparent relatives; Adults and Larvae feed on Aphids, Mealybugs, Scale Insects, Spider Mites, Whiteflies and other soft-bodied arthropods.
Habitat[]
Forested shady areas; can be found under large, leafy trees, in my experience mainly coniferous, either on fences or on pine needles on the lower part of the trees, also low herbaceous and woody plants. Good luck.
Size[]
Adult length ranges from 2.5 - 5.5mm.
Times of Year and Day[]
Spring and Fall; best looked for in June; most active at Dawn and more-so Dusk (Dawn: from when it starts to get light. Dusk: from 4:00-6:00pm ), can be found resting during the day. They can sometimes be attracted to light at night.
Other[]
Also known as Duskywings or Dusky-wings, this name is not recommended since a genus of Skipper Butterflies has this name.