Scorpion Flies - Order Mecoptera

This page contains pictures and information about Scorpion Flies that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.


Alexander Hill in late winter

Order Mecoptera is a small order and we only find one species.

Scorpion flies look similar to true flies (order Diptera), however, they have two pair of wings which are similar in size and shape.. True files only have one pair of wings. Their males have the end of the abdomen curved and held forward, very much like that of a scorpion's sting, so their name Scorpion fly.

Scorpion flies are predatory insects. They are sometimes known as Hanging Flies. As shown in the above picture, when waiting for prey, they hang from plants by their front legs with the other legs positioned ready to catch any prey insect that passes by. They are very conspicuous on the plants and not easily noticed by other insects. They have their strong hind legs to catch prey. Also notice their long beak. When disturbed, they fly away slowly.
Their larvae look like caterpillars. They live in loose soil or debris, some species are predatory, some feed on dead animal or plant material. They pupate in soil.



Harpobittacus tillyardi, family Bittacidae, female, body length 30mm

We took the above adult picture in Karawatha Forest during mid summer. The Scorpion Fly had captured a small stink bug.

Reference:
1. A field guide to insects in Australia - By Paul Zborowski and Ross Storey, Reed New Holland, 1996, p132.