Torpedo Bug vs Common Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Torpedo Bug Common Snakefly
Scientific Name Siphanta hebes Raphidia notata
Order Hemiptera Raphidioptera
Family Flatidae Raphidiidae
Size 7-10 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Australia, Pacific Islands, Hawaii (invasive) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Torpedo Bug

A bright green flatid planthopper with an elongated torpedo-shaped body profile when wings are folded. It is native to Australia and has been introduced to various Pacific islands.

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Did You Know?

In Hawaii, where it was accidentally introduced, it became a minor pest of macadamia nut trees and ornamental plants but is now largely controlled by natural enemies.

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.