# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Common Snakeflies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Snakefly_-_Agulla_species%252C_Packer_Lake%252C_California_-_9509292982.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snakefly_-_Agulla_species%252C_Packer_Lake%252C_California_-_9509292982.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Raphidioptera - **Family:** Raphidiidae - **Genus:** Agulla ## 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 - **Head Swivel:** Common Snakeflies can swiftly pivot their triangular heads because of a flexible neck that helps them spot prey without moving their body. - **Camouflage Cloak:** Common Snakeflies has a mottled brown or green coloration that helps them blend perfectly with tree bark and foliage, avoiding predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — a regular bird predator - **Eaten by:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — caught in spider webs - **Shelter:** [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) — larvae live under bark ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Common Snakeflies? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Stemwinder Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stemwinder-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Common Snakeflies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-snakeflies)