Male Snakefly found on Blaeberry beneath a Scots Pine in Moray. Wing venation seems to fit the missing 5th species🤔

These long-necked predators spend most of their lives high in tree canopies.

Male Snakefly wandering across Blaeberry beneath a Scots Pine.

Male Snakefly. Females have long pointed ovipositors.

It’s #insectweek! We have 4 #Snakefly species (Raphidoptera) in the UK, but these long-necked tree-top predators are rarely encountered. A 5th species, Raphidia ophiopsis is predicted to be found in Scotland.
I spotted this male Snakefly beneath a ScotsPine🌲 in Moray, Speyside last week. 🐍🪰

Finished intro to #entomolgy and started snapping on #inaturalist .. I'm not a big #fly fan, but this #snakefly is beneficial.. helps protect the garden as a predator on unwanted #insects. #greatbasin #tahoe #washoe

The latest bug to visit my studio was this Snakefly. It was very cooperative, and is now living in the bushes outside.
#macro #insectphotography #macrophotography #snakefly #bugs #wildlifephotography

Crab spider with snakefly prey. I startled it when I almost rested my camera down on it trying to frame a good spot for a time lapse of the creek below #insects #invertebrates #CrabSpide #snakefly

Snakefly! Think it's Phaeostigma notata. Gloriously wacky creature whichever species it is. #Insect #Nature #Snakefly