Japanese Snakefly vs Common Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Snakefly Common Snakefly
Scientific Name Inocellia japonica Raphidia notata
Order Raphidioptera Raphidioptera
Family Inocelliidae Raphidiidae
Size 12-18 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Mountains Orchards
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions East Asia, Japan Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Snakefly

An East Asian snakefly with the characteristic elongated neck-like prothorax. It is one of the few snakefly species found in the Far East, near the order's eastern range limit.

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Did You Know?

Raphidioptera are completely absent from the Southern Hemisphere, an unusual distribution pattern among insect orders.

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.