Western Snakefly vs Wax-Tailed Planthopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Snakefly | Wax-Tailed Planthopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agulla adnixa | Pterodictya reticularis |
| Order | Raphidioptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Raphidiidae | Dictyopharidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 10-15 mm (body, excluding wax filaments) |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Western North America | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Snakefly
A North American snakefly found in western forests and woodlands. Larvae develop under bark of conifers where they hunt bark beetle larvae.
Did You Know?
Western snakeflies require a cold winter period to complete development, which is why they are absent from tropical regions.
Wax-Tailed Planthopper
A Neotropical planthopper that produces long waxy tail filaments from its abdomen. These white wax strands may confuse predators or mimic fungal hyphae.
Did You Know?
Its wax tail filaments can be several times its body length and break off easily if grabbed by a predator.