Raphidioptera
Pronunciation: [Ra-PHIDI-op-ter-a]
Pronunciation: [Ra-PHIDI-op-ter-a]
Common Name: Snakeflies
Greek Origins of Name: N/A.
Multiple families; none in the eastern U.S
Development: Holometabola i.e. complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
Taxonomy: Raphidoptera has one extant suborder (Raphidiomorpha) and multiple families:
Distribution: Common worldwide, but not present in eastern North America.
Snakefly larvae live in leaf litter or under bark and catch aphids or other soft-bodied prey. In most cases, the adults of these insects are also predators — the non-predatory species usually feed on nectar, pollen, or honeydew.
As adults, raphidiopterans have two pairs of membranous wings with an extensive pattern of veins and crossveins. At rest, the wings are folded flat over the abdomen or held tent-like over the body. Most species are rather weak fliers.
N/A
There are a number of families in Raphidioptera — the following is the most important
N/A