They undergo complete metamorphism. The larvae are small, bizarre-looking creatures with large jaws that are used for seizing prey. They moult a few times before pupating and eventually emerging again as adults. Some species can take a couple of years to fully develop, but most take only a few months.

These are predatory insects. Some larvae live in small crater-like pits in sandy areas, waiting for another insect to stumble into the pit, where it is seized and dragged under the sand to be devoured. Ants are a common source of food, hence the name Antlion. Adults mostly prey on small insects such as aphids.

Neuropterans are found in many areas in Australia, green lacewings (Chrysopidae) being the most common.