Abstract
The stridulatory structures that occur in Meleoma Fitch, Brinckochrysa Tjeder and Chrysocerca Weele (Neuroptera : Chrysopidae) have been examined for the first time, using scanning electron microscopy. The structures are made up of rows of tubercles, formed by modified microtrichia and setae or sclerotized plates, situated laterally on the second abdominal segment and inner surface of the hind femora. Although superficially similar in the 3 genera, the stridulatory structures have different derivations, and have probably arisen in the Chrysopidae on separate occasions. The arrangement of tubercles within each genus varies among species, and is sexually dimorphic. Sound is thought to be produced by rubbing the abdomen against the hind femora and probably forms part of a courtship display.
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