← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 16 · Holometabolous
Snakeflies
Raphidioptera
~250
Described species
~2
Families
Introduction
Snakeflies are predators of aphids, mites, and other small arthropods — beneficial in forest and orchard ecosystems.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Elongated prothorax that resembles a snake's neck — adults raise the head in a striking 'cobra' pose. Females have a long needle-like ovipositor. Only found in the Northern Hemisphere.
Etymology
Greek raphis 'needle' + pteron 'wing'
Wings
Winged
Diet
Predator
Habitat
Terrestrial
Notable examples
California snakefly.
Where to look