Agulla - snakefly - Raphidiidae

This strange-looking species is in the genus Agulla. It is a member of the snakefly family, Raphidiidae. The adult has a long prothorax ("neck") which allows it to rear its head like a snake. Both larvae and adults feed on small insects. This adult is a female, which can be distinguished from the male by her long ovipositor. Snakeflies only occur in the western U.S. and Canada.

Order: Neuroptera
Family: Raphidiidae
Species: Agulla sp.

Photograph: © 2011 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 4 July 2011
Location: Montana (46o12’55”N  112o11’33”W)

 

Agulla - snakefly - Raphidiidae

Agulla sp. © 2011 RKD Peterson