Invertebrates
Snakefly
Raphidioptera · also called snakeflies
Raising its unusually long, flexible neck, a snakefly tracks a nearby aphid before striking with a sudden, snake-like lunge, a hunting style shared by both the adult and its bark-dwelling larva.
Overview
The snakefly, order Raphidioptera, is native to forest habitat across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere only. Its flexible, snake-mimicking neck, needle-like female ovipositor, and strikingly restricted global distribution make it one of the more unusual and geographically limited predatory insects found anywhere.
A hunting style written into its name
Both as a bark-dwelling larva and as a free-roaming adult, the snakefly relies on the same distinctive trick, a long, mobile neck that lets it rear back and strike at prey with a motion unmistakably reminiscent of a small snake.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, found across suitable forest habitat throughout its restricted Northern Hemisphere range.
Snakefly: common questions
Why is it called the snakefly?
It has an unusually long, flexible front section of its body that lets it raise and move its head somewhat like a tiny snake, including a quick, snake-like strike when catching prey.
Is the snakefly dangerous to people?
No, despite its snake-like head movements, it has no venom and cannot meaningfully bite or sting a person; it is entirely harmless.
What do snakefly larvae eat?
The predatory larva lives under loose bark or in leaf litter, hunting other small, soft-bodied insects such as aphids and mites, much like the adult.
Where in the world are snakeflies found?
Only across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere; they are completely absent from the tropics and from the entire Southern Hemisphere.