Dark-stigma Snakefly vs Western Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-stigma Snakefly Western Snakefly
Scientific Name Phaeostigma notata Agulla adnixa
Order Raphidioptera Raphidioptera
Family Raphidiidae Raphidiidae
Size 12-15 mm body 12-16 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Western North America
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.

Western Snakefly

A North American snakefly found in western forests and woodlands. Larvae develop under bark of conifers where they hunt bark beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Western snakeflies require a cold winter period to complete development, which is why they are absent from tropical regions.