Inocelliidae

Definition

A small family of snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) comprising eight extant genera and one fossil genus, distinguished by reduced wing venation and other derived characters relative to the larger family Raphidiidae. Inocelliid snakeflies are primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with highest diversity in western North America and the Mediterranean region. The family includes the largest known snakefly, Fibla carpenteri, described from Eocene Baltic amber.

Etymology

Example

The inocelliid genus Inocellia is distinguished from Raphidia by its simplified radial crossveins and reduced pterostigma, features visible under low magnification in field-collected specimens.

Synonyms

• inocelliid snakeflies

Related Terms

• Raphidioptera
• Raphidiidae
• snakefly
• Neuroptera
• holometabolous
• pterostigma
• Baltic amber

Usage Notes

Use Inocelliidae when referring to the family as a taxon; use 'inocelliid' (lowercase, adjective or noun) for members of this family. Contrast with Raphidiidae, the other extant snakefly family, which retains more plesiomorphic wing venation and is more speciose. The fossil record of Inocelliidae is sparse but significant, with Fibla carpenteri representing one of the largest known snakeflies (forewing length ~20 mm).