Dark-stigma Snakefly vs Xantholine Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-stigma Snakefly Xantholine Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Phaeostigma notata Xantholinus linearis
Order Raphidioptera Coleoptera
Family Raphidiidae Staphylinidae
Size 12-15 mm body 6-9 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, 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.

Xantholine Rove Beetle

An elongated, shiny black rove beetle with a distinctive long head. It hunts small invertebrates in soil and under bark.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely elongated head allows it to probe deep into bark crevices and soil pores for hidden prey.