FIRST RECORD OF SNAKEFLY FAMILY INOCELLIIDAE (ORDER, RAPHIDIOPTERA) FROM KURDISTAN REGION, NORTH OF IRAQ

Abstract

The present study reports the first record of the snakefly, family Inocelliidae (Order Raphidioptera) from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A specimen identified as Parainocellia ressli (Aspöck & Aspöck, 1965) was collected during field surveys in northern Iraq. This record fills a significant distributional gap between populations in Anatolia (Turkey) and western Iran, thereby extending the known range of Inocelliidae within the Western Palearctic. The finding underscores the role of the Zagros Mountains as a biogeographical corridor linking Euro-Siberian, Pontocaspian-Iranian, and Syro-Mesopotamian faunal elements. Given the relictual nature and poor dispersal ability of snakeflies, this discovery highlights the persistence of temperate forest refugia in northern Iraq and emphasizes the Palearctic affinities of its entomofauna. Further targeted surveys are essential to document the diversity and ecological significance of Raphidioptera in Iraq.