Phaeostigma notata

Description

The body length of this insect is about 15 mm. The antennae are long and slender. Like other snakeflies, Phaeostigma notata is able to raise its head above its body while resting. This motion is like that of a snake getting ready to strike. Adults have four wings that are clear and membranous. The wings are veined with a conspicuous spot. It is located on the front margins near the tips. While Phaeostigma notata is at rest, it holds the wings up rooflike over the back. Female snakeflies have a tail-like ovipositor which is used to lay eggs in bark crevices etc.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Thought to spend most of their time high up in trees, but sometimes seen on the trunks.

When to see it

The adults emerge from early May onwards.

Life History

The larvae live on or under loose bark and feed on other insects.

UK Status

This is a poorly recorded group and information about status is sparse, but it seems that this species is fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales at least.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known, but thought to be fairly frequent.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Lacewings & Scorpionflies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Raphidioptera
Family:
Raphidiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
6
First record:
15/06/2013 (Woodward, Steve)
Last record:
22/05/2024 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records