Common Snakefly vs Western Snakefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Snakefly | Western Snakefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Raphidia notata | Agulla adnixa |
| Order | Raphidioptera | Raphidioptera |
| Family | Raphidiidae | Raphidiidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Western North America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.
Western Snakefly
A North American snakefly found in western forests and woodlands. Larvae develop under bark of conifers where they hunt bark beetle larvae.
Did You Know?
Western snakeflies require a cold winter period to complete development, which is why they are absent from tropical regions.