2812 x 4214 px | 23,8 x 35,7 cm | 9,4 x 14 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
6 febbraio 2016
Altre informazioni:
The Panorpidae are a family of scorpionflies. This family contains more than 350 species. They are 9–25 mm long. Wingspan approx 35 mm. It can be identified by its patterned wings and sturdy beak. The scorpion-like tail is only seen in the male and is in fact its genitalia - and doesn't sting! P. germanica is very similar and expert confirmation of identification may be needed. These insects have four membranous wings and threadlike antennae. Their elongated faces terminate with jaws that are used to feed on dead and dying insects, nectar, and rotting fruit. While in larval form, they scavenge by consuming dead insects on the ground. They feed mostly on dead insects, which they frequently steal from the webs of spiders. Mating usually occurs at night. It can be a dangerous time for the male, if he is not careful the female might decide to kill him! To avoid this he presents her with a gift of a drop of saliva which, it seems, in the world of scorpion flies, is the equivalent of a bunch of roses or a box of chocolates
