Dark-stigma Snakefly vs Common Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-stigma Snakefly Common Snakefly
Scientific Name Phaeostigma notata Raphidia notata
Order Raphidioptera Raphidioptera
Family Raphidiidae Raphidiidae
Size 12-15 mm body 15-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark-stigma Snakefly

A primitive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax giving it a snake-like neck. Found on tree trunks in woodland. Both adults and larvae prey on small insects.

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Did You Know?

Snakeflies are living fossils with a body plan virtually unchanged for over 140 million years.

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.