Australian Scorpionfly vs Earwig Scorpionfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Scorpionfly | Earwig Scorpionfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Harpobittacus australis | Merope tuber |
| Order | Mecoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Bittacidae | Meropeidae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Australian Scorpionfly
An Australian hangingfly that suspends itself from vegetation and catches prey with its raptorial hind legs. Males present captured prey to females as nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Female Australian scorpionflies assess nuptial gifts by tasting the prey — if it is nutritionally poor, they reject the male and fly away.
Earwig Scorpionfly
An extremely rare and primitive scorpionfly with forcep-like cerci reminiscent of earwigs. It is nocturnal and found in leaf litter of old-growth eastern North American forests.
Did You Know?
Merope tuber is so rarely encountered that its biology and ecology remain largely mysterious despite being described over 150 years ago.