Raphidiidae

Definition

A family of snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) characterized by an elongated prothorax that gives the appearance of a 'neck,' distinguishing them from other neuropteroid insects. Members of this family are predatory as both larvae and adults, with larvae typically found under bark or in soil litter. The family is the largest and most widely distributed within Raphidioptera, with most species occurring in the Holarctic region.

Etymology

From the type genus Raphidia (Greek raphis, 'needle,' referring to the elongated ovipositor) + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The genus Raphidia, the type genus of Raphidiidae, includes common European snakeflies with distinctive black-and-yellow patterning and an elongated prothorax that superficially resembles a snake's neck—hence the common name.

Related Terms

• Raphidioptera
• Neuropterida
• snakefly
• Inocelliidae
• prothorax
• neuropteroid

Usage Notes

Raphidiidae is one of two extant families in Raphidioptera, the other being Inocelliidae. The family is distinguished from Inocelliidae primarily by wing venation and genitalic characters; Raphidiidae typically have a distinct pterostigma with a crossvein closing the cell, and males possess a well-developed tenth tergite. The family's distribution is predominantly temperate Northern Hemisphere, with notable absences from South America, Australia, and most of Africa. Species-level identification often requires examination of male genitalia.