Neuropteroidea
Guides
Raphidioptera
snakeflies
Raphidioptera, commonly known as snakeflies, is an order of predatory holometabolous insects comprising approximately 260 species in two families: Raphidiidae and Inocellidae. The order is distinguished by an elongated prothorax that creates a 'neck-like' appearance, giving rise to their common name. Snakeflies are considered living fossils, with modern species closely resembling forms from the early Jurassic period 140 million years ago. They are primarily arboreal predators of small insects, most commonly associated with wooded habitats and tree bark.