SNAKEFLY

any insect of the neuropteran order Raphidiodea of about 80 species, easily recognized by its small head and long, slender neck, which is actually the elongated prothorax. The snakefly, about 15 mm (0.6 inch) long, has two pairs of similar, net-veined wings, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts. The female has a long ovipositor for laying eggs. The life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The active and carnivorous larvae live beneath loose tree bark. The snakefly is found on every continent except Australia and is considered beneficial to humans because it destroys the larvae and pupae of insects.