Xanthostigma Snakefly vs Winter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Xanthostigma Snakefly Winter Ant
Scientific Name Xanthostigma xanthostigma Prenolepis imparis
Order Raphidioptera Hymenoptera
Family Raphidiidae Formicidae
Size 12-18 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Xanthostigma Snakefly

A snakefly with a distinctive yellow wing stigma from which it derives its name. It is found in European woodlands where it hunts small insects on tree trunks.

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Did You Know?

Snakefly larvae develop under bark where they are voracious predators of bark beetle larvae and other wood-boring insects.

Winter Ant

A small brown ant unique for being most active during cold months when other ants are dormant. Replete workers store liquid food in distended abdomens for the colony.

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Did You Know?

They hold their nuptial flights in late winter or early spring, sometimes walking over snow to mate.