Puncha ratzeburgi


Puncha ratzeburgi is a species of snakefly in the monotypic genus Puncha belonging to the family Raphidiidae.

Distribution and habitat

This species is widely distributed in Central and Eastern Europe. Isolated populations have been found from southern France, the Apennine and Balkan Peninsula. These insects inhabit mountains at an elevation up to above sea level.

Description

Puncha ratzeburgi can reach a wingspan of about. These snakeflies have a long prothorax, hyaline wings with characteristic venation, a distinct pterostigma ranging from yellow-ocher to ocher-brown, and a long ovipositor in females.

Biology

They are predatory, both as adults and larvae.