Common Snakefly vs Iberian Snakefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Snakefly | Iberian Snakefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Raphidia notata | Harraphidia laufferi |
| Order | Raphidioptera | Raphidioptera |
| Family | Raphidiidae | Raphidiidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Spain, Portugal |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Did You Know?
Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.
Iberian Snakefly
A snakefly endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, found in cork oak and pine woodlands. It is one of several snakefly species restricted to the western Mediterranean.
Did You Know?
The Iberian Peninsula is a hotspot for snakefly diversity, hosting more species per area than almost anywhere else.