Common Snakeflies
ExploreInsects
Common Snakeflies
Agulla
Common Snakeflies are fascinating insects that look like they are flying with a snake! They have long bodies and can be found in gardens and forests, where they help control pests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Common Snakeflies has a slender, dark brown body with two pairs of clear, veined wings often held roof-like over its back. Its most distinctive feature is a long, flexible neck, which allows its triangular head to be held aloft, resembling a tiny snake.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderRaphidiopteraFamilyRaphidiidaeGenusAgulla
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even as adults, snakeflies are fierce hunters, eating aphids and other tiny bugs!
Female snakeflies have a long ovipositor, like a tiny sword, to lay eggs in crevices!
Some snakefly larvae live for years hidden under tree bark before becoming adults!
These ancient insects have changed little in 200 million years, they're living fossils!
Special abilities
Ability
Head Swivel
Common Snakeflies can swiftly pivot their triangular heads because of a flexible neck that helps them spot prey without moving their body.
Ability
Camouflage Cloak
Common Snakeflies has a mottled brown or green coloration that helps them blend perfectly with tree bark and foliage, avoiding predators.
Ability
Subterranean Hunter
Common Snakeflies larvae can live hidden under bark for years, helping them ambush small insects in tight, dark spaces.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-25 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-1095 days
- Flight Speed
- 2-5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These agile hunters feast on small insects and mites, helping control garden pests.
Age differences: Larvae and adults both hunt small arthropods, but larvae prefer pests found under tree bark.
Primary Foods
- Aphids
- Small caterpillars
- Mites
- Psocids
- Insect eggs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Cotton Aphid
Aphis gossypii
a common prey item
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
a regular bird predator
eaten by
Garden Spider
Argiope aurantia
caught in spider webs
shelters
White Oak
Quercus alba
larvae live under bark
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to watch snakeflies from a distance. They are harmless and just want to catch their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common Snakeflies's wingspan?
15-25 mm
How big is Common Snakeflies?
10-15 mm
How long does Common Snakeflies live?
365-1095 days
How fast can Common Snakeflies fly?
2-5 km/h
What does Common Snakeflies eat?
These agile hunters feast on small insects and mites, helping control garden pests.
Where is Common Snakeflies usually found?
Forests
How does Common Snakeflies hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Common Snakeflies have?
6
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