Dark-stigma Snakefly vs Italian Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-stigma Snakefly Italian Snakefly
Scientific Name Phaeostigma notata Subilla confinis
Order Raphidioptera Raphidioptera
Family Raphidiidae Raphidiidae
Size 12-15 mm body 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Southern Europe, Mediterranean region
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.

Italian Snakefly

A Mediterranean snakefly found in warm woodlands of southern Europe. It is associated with pine and oak forests where larvae develop under loose bark.

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Did You Know?

Mediterranean snakeflies are adapted to warmer climates than most of their relatives and can tolerate drier conditions.