The neuropterans are a small order of mostly predacious, winged insects. The neuropterans constitute one of the most primitive orders among the holometabolous insects, i.e. insects with complete metamorphosis.

All neuropterans have two pairs of membraneous wings which usually possess a large number of veins. The larvae of almost all species are terrestrial predators, and a unique feature of neuropteran larvae is that the mandibles have been fused with the maxillae to form two hollow thongs or stylets used for sucking body fluid from the prey.