Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar

TaxonomyBrowseInfoImagesLinksBooksData
Photo#258623
Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female

Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - Female
Webb Canyon, ~2000 ft. altitude, Los Angeles County, California, USA
March 3, 2009
Size: ~14.5 mm w/out ovipositor
This would be my first time seeing one, but I'm fairly positive that this is a Snakefly, and from viewing the images in the Guide I think that it is likely Genus Negha. As you can see from the picture, I found this female floating in my landlord's pool. Unfortunately, she did not revive after being rescued, so I did my best to take a good series of photos so that her death would at least be of some benefit to those of us in the insect community.

I have read that there are only three species within the Genus Negha, but thus far none of the images in the guide have been identified to this level. Does anyone know if it is possible to determine species? If so, please let me know if the necessary characteristics for an ID are unclear as I have many other photos that I have not posted. Thanks!

[UPDATE: If interested in seeing a similar series showing a male of this genus, please click here.]

Images of this individual: tag all
Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female Square-headed Snakefly in California (March) - Negha - female

I agree.
I agree with your genus diagnosis and am moving the images. Definitely not Agulla at any rate.

 
OK...
...thanks Eric.

Comment viewing options
Select your preferred way to display the comments and click 'Save settings' to activate your changes.