Knowledgebase

What is this bug? #667192

Asked July 21, 2020, 9:56 PM EDT

My mom lives on the coast (Florence) and found this bug thing in her bed (see attached photo - in the plastic bag on the right). Hoping you can give us a clue of what it might be! Thanks! Joy

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your inquiry. Your mom has found a snakefly. It's the larval (immature) stage. Depending on the species, larvae live under bark or other concealed places, or in the soil and mulch at the base of plants. The adults are similar in appearance except with wings and longer legs. Snakeflies are completely harmless, in fact beneficial, insects. They prey on other small, slow moving insects but do not bite people. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2020, 4:34 PM EDT

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