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Glite Dictionary
snakefly

snakefly

9.9
An insect that eats other insects and has a long neck found in western North America
  • noun
  • /ˈsneɪkˌflaɪ/
  • US
translation icon : serpiente voladora
  • The snakefly uses its elongated neck to attack smaller insects.

Examples

  • Some gardeners welcome the presence of snakeflies because they help control pests.

  • Researchers discovered a rare snakefly species in the forest last summer.

  • A snakefly can often be found near streams.

  • The snakefly is known for its unique appearance.

  • Gardeners appreciate how a snakefly helps manage pests in their gardens.

  • The long neck of the snakefly allows it to reach and capture insects efficiently.

  • During field studies, researchers observed a snakefly hunting its prey along the forest floor.

Synonyms

Raphidiidae
vssnakefly
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of insects like snakeflies with a long neck and young that eat other insects

is a single predatory insect mainly in western North America

How Long-Necked

snakefly
  • US
9.9
lacewing
1 8.9
housefly
4 1.3

Surface Forms

snakefly singular
snakeflies plural

Morphology

snakefly = snake + fly (transparent) = snake + fly

The compound 'snake' + 'fly' names an insect with a snake-like neck, so the meaning is directly derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Snakefly is a simple combination of snake and fly. People named it this because its long, necklike front makes it look a little like a tiny snake, so the name helps you remember it is a fly with a 'snake-like' neck that hunts other insects.