Snakeflies
ExploreInsects
Snakeflies
Raphidioptera
Snakeflies are fascinating insects with long bodies and unique, snake-like heads. They are often found in gardens and forests, where they hunt for other insects.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Snakeflies has a long, slender body with a distinctive elongated "neck" (prothorax), giving them their name. They possess two pairs of clear, membranous wings with intricate veins. Often brown or greenish-brown, they resemble a tiny praying mantis but lack its powerful raptorial front legs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderRaphidiopteraFamilyRaphidiidae
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Snakeflies belong to their own ancient insect order called Raphidioptera.
Their name comes from their long neck, which they strike like a snake!
They use their strong jaws to grab and eat soft-bodied insects like aphids.
Unlike many insects, both adult and larval snakeflies are fierce hunters!
Special abilities
Ability
Precision Predator Neck
Snakeflies has an extra-long neck that helps them ambush small insects from crevices with lightning speed.
Ability
Underbark Hunter
Snakefly larvae can live for years under tree bark, using their flat bodies to hunt other hidden insects.
Ability
Keen-Eyed Flyer
Snakeflies has prominent compound eyes that help them spot tiny moving prey while flying.
Ability
Sticky Egg Placement
Female snakeflies can use a long ovipositor to place eggs deep into bark crevices, protecting them.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-50 mm
- Size
- 10-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 395-1125 days
- Flight Speed
- 2-5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Snakeflies are insect hunters, eating many small pests to keep ecosystems healthy.
Age differences: Larvae and adults are both predatory, but larvae hunt in concealed spaces.
Primary Foods
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Mites
- Small beetles
- Insect larvae
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Cotton Aphid
Aphis gossypii
Adult and larval snakeflies hunt and eat aphids.
eats
Two-spotted spider mite
Tetranychus urticae
Larval snakeflies consume mites found under bark.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Birds like tits prey on adult snakeflies.
eaten by
Common Wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Wasps may catch and eat adult snakeflies.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snakeflies are harmless and fun to watch, but it's best to look without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snakeflies's wingspan?
15-50 mm
How big is Snakeflies?
10-30 mm
How long does Snakeflies live?
395-1125 days
How fast can Snakeflies fly?
2-5 km/h
What does Snakeflies eat?
Snakeflies are insect hunters, eating many small pests to keep ecosystems healthy.
Where is Snakeflies usually found?
Forests
How does Snakeflies hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Snakeflies have?
6
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