Australian Scorpionfly vs Red-Brown Click Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Scorpionfly | Red-Brown Click Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Harpobittacus australis | Ampedus sanguineus |
| Order | Mecoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Bittacidae | Elateridae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 11-16 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Red-Brown Click Beetle
A handsome click beetle with vivid red elytra and a black head and thorax. Larvae develop in rotting conifer wood.
Did You Know?
Despite its blood-red colour, it is harmless—the coloration is thought to mimic toxic beetles to deter predators.