Common Snakefly vs Creoleon Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Snakefly Creoleon Antlion
Scientific Name Raphidia notata Creoleon plumbeus
Order Raphidioptera Neuroptera
Family Raphidiidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 15-20 mm 55-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Snakefly

A distinctive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax that gives it a snake-like appearance. It hunts aphids and other small insects on tree bark.

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Did You Know?

Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.

Creoleon Antlion

A robust Mediterranean antlion with lead-grey coloring on the thorax. Found in dry, warm habitats across southern Europe and the Middle East.

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Did You Know?

Unlike classic antlions, its larvae lie buried in soil without building funnel traps.