In this article, we tell you everything that you would like to know about snakefly.
The first thing you need to know about a snakefly is that it is neither a snake nor a fly. It is a neuropterous insect and is closely related to lacewings.
Snakeflies are an old species that have been around and unchanged for a long time.
As per fossil records, they have been around for more than 50 million years!
Read on to get these and more interesting facts about snakeflies.
What Are Snakeflies?
Belonging to the order of Raphidioptera, snakeflies are a group of small, black, predatory insects that flourish across the world.
The body of the snakefly has three separate segments.
The second segment, called the prothorax, is long and ends in a flattened head. The elongated prothorax lends it a snake-like appearance and, consequently, the name.
They have thin, translucent wings with a network of visible veins, just like lacewings. Their bodies are shiny black in color, with 2 compound eyes. The larvae are reddish to gray in color.
Evolutionary History of Snakeflies
To date, scientists have identified around 200 species of snakeflies. In fact, as recently as 2009, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck discovered two more new species of snakeflies.
As we said earlier, snakeflies have been around for much longer than humans, and as per the latest fossil studies, we believe they might have been here even 50 million years ago.
Despite this, the extant snakeflies we see today are quite similar to the ones found in the Jurassic period.
Moreover, fossil records also show that there was a time when these bugs used to live in the tropical regions of the world.
However, over time they have moved away and now live only in places where the climate is much colder.
Today, cold weather has become a major part of their lifecycle.
It is believed that the very change from cold to slightly less cool weather triggers their metamorphosis from larvae to adults.
Scientists are not sure when or why this happened and why snakeflies did not keep their ability to live in warmer climates.
Where Do They Live?
Snakeflies are found all over the world, mostly in colder climates.
Their distribution ranges from Europe to Asia, Africa, and parts of Central and North America.
Most of the population concentration is in East Asia. The only continents they do not inhabit are Antarctica and Australia.
They are commonly found in coniferous forests, living on trees, or in the soil. Larvae nest beneath tree barks or loose piles of leaves.
What Do They Eat?
Both adult snakeflies and larval instars are predators. They prey on smaller, soft-bodied insects, aphids, caterpillars, insect eggs, and mites. They are an important predator in the forest ecosystem and are beneficial in orchards.
Especially in pear orchards, they feed on the pear psylla – a pest that sucks out the sap from pear fruits and trees.
Studies show pollen in the digestive tracts of snakeflies. But whether they actually drink nectar or not is unclear. Their behavior is territorial and predatory.
What is the Lifecycle of Snakeflies
Females lay eggs that are long and cylindrical in shape. The larva that emerges is flattened, shiny, and has large, projecting mandibles.
The instar stage of the snakefly larvae is quite interesting. Unlike other insects that have a fixed number of instar stages (usually 3 or 4) – snakeflies can go through as many as required.
They remain in the larval stage for as long as three years and can go through 10 instar stages.
Larvae feed on smaller insects and finally go into a pupa. The pupa is active, which means it is capable of reacting by biting or walking upon sensing danger.
The mandible of the larvae also helps it to chew its way out from the pupae.
Depending on the temperature, the larvae mainly remain within the pupa for many months waiting for the ideal temperature.
When scientists subject the larvae to a constant temperature range, they sometimes end up in a stagnant state where they never undergo chrysalis.
But under ideal circumstances, as the temperatures rise, adult snakeflies emerge.
Female snakeflies are bigger than males and have an ovipositor at the end to deposit eggs within barks or the soil. An adult snakefly is smaller than an inch.
Do They Bite or Sting Humans?
The mouthparts of both adults are larvae that are non-specialized but are strong and capable of biting. The larvae also have projecting mandibles.
Having said this, they do not usually bite humans. They are beneficial for orchards and plantations as they help keep mites and aphids in check.
However, there do exist records of people being bitten by the larvae (read the emails section)!
If you see them indoors, just dispose of them with a vacuum. They cannot sting, though the females have an ovipositor which may look similar to a stinger.
What To Do If They Bite?
A snakefly biting a human is quite rare. But we do have records of both larvae and adults biting our readers, and the bites are said to be quite painful.
Adults, especially females, can be aggressive if they sense danger and resort to biting.
While the bite can be painful, you can simply pick off the insect and dispose of it. Treat the bite with a cold compress, followed by an antibacterial solution and ointment.
Are They Poisonous or Venomous?
Snakeflies are not poisonous or venomous to humans. Their bites are painful but do not cause any additional swelling.
No medical visit is necessary. The pain is similar to being pricked by a large ant. However, it goes away soon, even without any treatment.
Are They Harmful to Humans as Pests?
Snakeflies are not considered pests. Pests attack plants and crops, feeding on fruits, flowers, and plant sap.
They are predatory and do not harm crops in any way. On the contrary, they are a good addition to your garden since they eat up smaller pests.
Are They Beneficial?
Generally, they are beneficial for gardens, plantations, and orchards. They destroy the eggs, larvae, and pupa of many smaller insects like mites and aphids, which feed on plant sap.
A good garden ecosystem will have enough of these predatory insects to keep the crops in check.
Can They Come Inside Homes?
It’s quite possible for adult snakeflies to fly into homes. If you happen to see some, do not touch them with your bare hand. It’s best not to squash them.
Instead, use cardboard to swat them away and dispose of them outside. In gardens, you can spray insecticides on plants if you suffer from a snakefly infestation.
The insecticide will kill their food source and eventually starve the snakeflies.
What Are They Attracted To?
Snakefly adults are nocturnal. They are attracted to light. This could be one of the reasons why you end up finding some in your home.
Scientists also use pheromones that attract them to trap them in black boxes and use them for studies.
How To Get Rid of Them?
Ideally, you need not get rid of snakeflies. If they enter your home, the first step should always be to remove them from there and leave them in the garden.
To prevent them from entering your home, seal all crevices and use screens on your windows. Put a mesh around any other opening or ventilation space.
However, if there is an infestation in your garden, you can spray your plants with a narrow-spectrum insecticide.
The lack of smaller insects as food will cause the snakeflies to starve or move elsewhere.
You can also spray the insecticide on tree bark or the top soil layer where the adults lay their eggs.
But beware – that lack of predatory insects can cause plant-eating insects to rise in number once the insecticide wears off.
Interesting Facts About Snakeflies
- Snakeflies have been around since the Jurassic period.
- They are very clumsy fliers. Their flight patterns are unruly, and they often bump into things.
- Snakeflies lick themselves thoroughly before mating in an effort to groom themselves!
- Snakefly larvae can move both forward and backward using a process called undulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a snakefly do?
Snakeflies mainly spend their lives feeding on other insects. Both adults and larvae are predatory and pretty good ones at that.
They are very territorial and aggressive, even during the pupal stage. The pupa can even bite if disturbed!
What do snake flies look like?
Larval snakeflies have a dark red to gray segmented body with a large mandible. Adults are black with an elongated thorax and a flattened head.
Their wings are transparent, riddled with veins, and form a roof-cover-like structure when they rest.
Can a snake fly in the sky?
All species of snakefly adults have papery thin wings that allow them to fly. However, they are weak flyers and mostly focused on hunting than flying in the sky.
Larvae look very different from adults. They are wingless and flightless.
Are drain flies harmful to humans?
Drain flies are commonly found grey flies that breed in moist areas like sinks and sewers. They cannot bite or sting and are non-toxic.
However, they carry pathogens from foraging around in the trash and can transfer those to humans. They can also cause allergic reactions.
Wrap Up
Snakeflies are found in abundance but are still interesting insects to study. They are one of the few insects that can form a pupa that is capable of biting and movement.
Their lifespans are long, and the larvae can keep growing until a suitable season for pupating. There are still ongoing studies to know more about them.
Thank you for reading.
Snakefly
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37 Comments. Leave new
I love your website and work so much. Thank you!
I’m fairly certain the bee is a female Anthophora, or digger bee. You can tell it’s not a leafcutter from the scopa (pollen collecting hairs) on the bee’s legs. Leafcutters have scopa on the undersides of their abdomens. Also, it’s a bit difficult to tell, but the wing venation seems to agree with a digger bee as well. Lovely photo, the snakefly is great!
Thank you for the detailed comment.
Bulls#!t! I had a robe on today & I could feel something biting me or should I say pinching me. I had to google this insect & it definitely was a Snakefly! I had never seen or heard of a snakefly before. I felt it crawling down my back & it bit me 2-3 times! It wasn’t even an adult snakefly yet. They are quite odd looking alien-looking snakeflies!
Ed. Note: Edited for content.
Mind your cussing tongue on our site.
I got bit by one yesterday. Felt like a horsefly bite, pretty unpleasant.
They don’t sting but I do believe they chomp you with that claw like mouth for sure. Was walking outside today and felt a biting sensation on my leg. Looked down and found one of these little guys knawing on my thigh! It left a bit of a mark but nothing permanent.
A very large one got on my husband’s back tonight and when it got up to his head he tried to remove it and was pinched so badly it drew blood in 2 places. Really bleeding from it!
We suspect it was not a Snakefly.
We have a snakefly problem at my work. ( lots of other dead insects for them to munch on as it’s all large windows. After years of no issue I was bit three times in succession by one insect. My coworker pinched it off of me and I was bleeding. I know my snakefly and this one must be part vampire.
These things have been attacking me at my house for a couple years now. Never seen one before then one flew on my arm and I was thinking wow your a new one. It took a look at me and bit the crap out of my arm. Ever since then every summer they have been coming out in swarms and attacking me between my shop and house. I usually don’t kill insects but these things are a menace and if I didn’t swat them off of me my place would be unlivable. Two of them just flew through my shop while I’m writing this. People say they are beneficial and that’s probably true but these things attack and bite people.
OH My Gosh You 2?? I Have been through 3 years Of “The Most Intense Bug Biting Recovery & Counselling the State of Oregon has to Offer”, do to this Insect and its invasion of Southern Oregon. 🙁 I Built my dream house right outside of town afew miles. We have beautiful Old Growth trees and Ferns everywhere. “Self Designed Dream House”, after 2 years of no BUGS, it all started? Like someone is playing a sick Joke? I’ve lived here my Whole Life never seen one of these until I build “MY DREAM HOUSE”. I know I sound like I am just complaining. I just want to know how you guys got through this? I have to wear a BEE SUITE At My Brand New CUSTOM HOME. Not Funny at all, I’m Crying Now, A Nightmare. I Ended up being Highly Allergic. I now travel the world talking and giving speeches on these devil Insects. My Councilor says its great for me to wright about my feelings!! Hope this helps someone. Have any questions just ask. In SnakeFly We Trust!
Oddly enough my mother and sister who hate carpenter ants and lace flies, love these snake flies. I’ve handled all these and the snake fly is the only one I’ve held that was constantly bitting me (didn’t break skin). Obviously not venomous. Seems likes it’s tasting everything.
To add – I’m on the west coast. I imagine if this fly was bigger and behaved the way it does…can easily be an annoyance
They surely do bite. One chomped onto my friend’s bare arm just this evening; we picked it off and got a very good look. It was definitely a female snakefly and it was aggressive, because it kept trying to bite again.
I live in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Over the last 20 years I have had several encounters with what appears to be the larva(no wings). I have a deck with large for trees over it. Each time has been during or soon after I water the plants. Last night I had one on my chest. Feels like bee stings-got me four times on upper chest before it fell into my bra for one more hit. I would LOVE input. This is the first time I’ve seen anything like it. Nobody else seems to have had problems but me..
Northern California here; and yes, they DO bite. Often repeatedly, and it hurts. Yes, yes, I know they’re not supposed to be able to, but they do. Remember that bumblebees aren’t supposed to be able to fly, either–but they do. And yes, Bugman; these ARE Snakeflies. Clearly, other people have had the same experience. I would be very interested to learn why they do this.
OH YEAH?? I have girlfriend! I love talking about these guys and much, much more! I live in Roseburg!! my e-mail is oregonjerbear@gmail.com E-mail me and I’ll tell you about it! Jeremy
This thing in larvae form crawled out of my pants after I got twelve itchy bites in one area on my leg. I did tons of googling and I know it was the snake fly larvae it looked exactly like it mouth pincers and all. People keep publishing they don’t really bite and people keep commenting they do so either they have a biting twin or the information is just off. Maybe they only bite if they accidentally get in your clothes but I think I’m allergic to them.
People say assassin bugs don’t bite humans too but MAN it’s like being kicked by a mule. The fact that it is a predator means it sure CAN bite! And like the above person, I think I’m allergic. Hate to do it but SQUISH.
Yes, Flatten Them Out Is The Best Way to Satisfy You and Hopefully them as well! It Over so FAST that they don’t Even Know What HIT UM UP!!
I got bit three times this morning. We live in western Nevada, 15 miles from Lake Tahoe. YES it hurt. Result? It got squished!
I live in Reno have these all over and wondered what they were. Should we get rid of them if possible then?
I agree with everyone in here. They for sure bite!! Not just a bite either they tear your skin and keep going. They are viciois and it makes me mad that all info on them that I read says they dont bite. But so many people have expeeienced bad bites from them. Time to update into on these.
Yes,these things are biting the crap out of me right now in my yard. They need to update the info on this site.
I handled a female a couple of days ago, no bites. There are many different species of snakeflies, perhaps some are less friendly than others. I’m glad I found a friendly.
Well, found one on back glass of our Houston patio tonight. Anyone else this far south?
My 10yr old son was bitten by one today 4/5 times on his big toe while Sitting in the yard. We live in Portland Or.
He first said ouch I just got stung very loudly and just froze stiff (he has never been stung before). While I was walking towards his to see, he yelled out again and started crying. He yelled ouch a couple more times and when I finally got to him, the snake fly was still on his toe and I could see it latched on to him. I quickly brushed it off his toes and googled what the heck it was. It was 100% a snake fly…that’s what got me here.
My 10yr old son was bitten by one today 4/5 times on his big toe while Sitting in the yard. We live in Portland Or.
He first said ouch I just got stung very loudly and just froze stiff (he has never been stung before). While I was walking towards his to see, he yelled out again and started crying. He yelled ouch a couple more times and when I finally got to him, the snake fly was still on his toe and I could see it latched on to him. I quickly brushed it off his toes and googled what the heck it was. It was 100% a snake fly…that’s what got me here.
The published sources say that they’ve been here for 50 million years and that they’re totally harmless and, in fact, a gift from god to have around.
Everyone I know who’s seen one has been bit, stung or cut by these things.
(The long, thin cut was very strange indeed.)
I have been bitten by them for sure.
(Just now, in fact.)
Furthermore, no one I know saw them before 2000 and some didn’t see them until more recent than that and many of these people spend their whole lives outside and identify species for fun.
It seems that there is more to learn about these things, good news for anyone who enjoys studying insects.
The published sources say that they’ve been here for 50 million years and that they’re totally harmless and, in fact, a gift from god to have around.
Everyone I know who’s seen one has been bit, stung or cut by these things.
(The long, thin cut was very strange indeed.)
I have been bitten by them for sure.
(Just now, in fact.)
Furthermore, no one I know saw them before 2000 and some didn’t see them until more recent than that and many of these people spend their whole lives outside and identify species for fun.
It seems that there is more to learn about these things, good news for anyone who enjoys studying insects.
Can confirm these bite. I just felt something chomping away at my wrist, looked down, and saw this guy gnawing away at my flesh. Seemed like it was just determining whether or not it could make a meal of me. Only mildly painful, more like scratching. I tapped its head, and it stopped for a moment, swung its head back and forth to look around, and then immediately slammed its face back down into my wrist and started chomping like someone at a pie-eating contest.
They do bite! I just had one biting my hand. I knocked it away and it went onto a plate. I have never seen one and was examining it with a fork, and it started biting the fork. It was as agressive as a hornet.
I wonder if they’re getting more aggressive or more common or if a specific variety of them that is aggressive has been spreading.
While camping in Bend, Oregon a snake fly bit me 3 times on my back. It felt like a bite/sting that was very painful. It has been over 2 months since I was “attacked” but my back still feels itchy and tender where I was stung. I recently went to an urgent care and was given a steroid cream to apply to the area for 2 weeks. The doctor saw no marks on my back. After 2 weeks of steroid treatment the spot still itches and is tender and slightly numb to the touch. Is anyone else feeling these side effects from their bites?
Looking at one right now in northern NJ.
Found a larva out on the front porch today in Portland Oregon. Definitely could tell it hasn’t changed much over time because of the prehistoric look it had. They must be growing I. Population because there wasn’t any hesitation when using Google lens to identify it. There were tons of pictures on the landing page as well. Two prehistoric species I’ve found here at the same house within a couple weeks I had never seen before. The other was a silver fish. The snake fly shares the same armor plated segments and also was extremely quick like the fish. I don’t know if I’ve become more observant of my surroundings or there is an influx of prehistoric bugs about. I have a picture of it and a video I hope to share.