# Snakefly (*Baissoptera*) Snakeflies are unique insects that have long necks and look a bit like snakes! They are often found in gardens. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Gardens and forests ![Snakefly](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426400/objects/5569.jpg) ## Appearance The Snakefly has a distinctive long, narrow 'neck' formed by its prothorax, giving it a snake-like appearance. They typically feature two pairs of clear, heavily veined wings and a slender, dark brown or black body. Their prominent head has large eyes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Raphidioptera - **Family:** Baissopteridae - **Genus:** Baissoptera ## Interesting facts - Adult snakeflies do not eat solid food; they drink nectar and water for energy. - Snakeflies are ancient insects, appearing on Earth even before dinosaurs roamed! - Their larvae are fierce predators, living hidden under tree bark, hunting other insects. - They are called "snakeflies" because their long, flexible neck allows wide head movement! ## Special abilities - **Neck Swivel:** Snakeflies can swivel their long 'neck' and head around, which helps them spot and capture prey from various angles. - **Stealthy Larvae:** Snakefly larvae live hidden under tree bark, using their flat bodies to stalk and ambush insects in tight spaces. - **Precise Egg-laying:** Female snakeflies have a long ovipositor that allows them to lay eggs deep in tree bark crevices, protecting them. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-50 mm - **Size:** 10-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 14-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 3 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Both young and adult snakeflies are tiny insect hunters, making them great pest controllers! - **Age differences:** Larvae hunt insects under bark, while adults also hunt but add nectar and pollen to their diet. - **Primary Foods:** Aphids, Small caterpillars, Mites, Insect eggs, Nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** White pine weevil (*Pissodes strobi*) — Snakefly larvae prey on larvae of this forest pest. - **Hunts:** Black bean aphid (*Aphis fabae*) — Adult snakeflies actively hunt these soft-bodied insects. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Forest birds often catch adult snakeflies. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [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. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [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. - [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. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Snakefly? 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 Snakefly's wingspan? 20-50 mm ### How big is Snakefly? 10-30 mm ### How long does Snakefly live? 14-60 days ### How fast can Snakefly fly? 3 km/h ### What does Snakefly eat? Both young and adult snakeflies are tiny insect hunters, making them great pest controllers! ### Where is Snakefly usually found? Gardens and forests ### How does Snakefly hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Snakefly: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/snakefly)