Snakeflies: Raphidioptera

Physical characteristics: The males of this small to medium-sized insect including wings measure 0.31 to 0.43 inches (8 to 11 millimeters), while females are 0.41 to 0.59 inches (10.5 to 15.0 millimeters). The wing spots are dark brown. The head lacks simple eyes.

Geographic range: This species is found from central and northern Europe to eastern Asia.

Habitat: This species lives in pine, in forests up to elevations of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters). The larvae are found underneath the bark of cone-bearing trees, especially pines.

Diet: The larvae eat soft-bodied arthropods, such as insects and spiders. It is not known what the adults eat, but their diets probably include pollen.

Behavior and reproduction: Very little is known about their behavior, other than the fact that they are very clumsy flyers. The life cycle, from egg to adult, usually takes about two to three years.

The males of this small to medium-sized insect, including wings, measure 0.31 to 0.43 inches (8 to 11 millimeters). (Illustration by Bruce Worden Reproduced by permission.)

Schummel's inocelliid snakeflies and people: This species is not known to impact people or their activities.

Conservation status: This species is not listed as endangered or threatened. It is rare, but it does not appear to be threatened with extinction. ∎