Iberian Snakefly vs Common Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iberian Snakefly Common Snakefly
Scientific Name Harraphidia laufferi Raphidia notata
Order Raphidioptera Raphidioptera
Family Raphidiidae Raphidiidae
Size 10-14 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Spain, Portugal Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Iberian Snakefly

A snakefly endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, found in cork oak and pine woodlands. It is one of several snakefly species restricted to the western Mediterranean.

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Did You Know?

The Iberian Peninsula is a hotspot for snakefly diversity, hosting more species per area than almost anywhere else.

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.