Common Scorpionfly vs Australian Scorpionfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Scorpionfly | Australian Scorpionfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panorpa communis | Harpobittacus australis |
| Order | Mecoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Panorpidae | Bittacidae |
| Size | 9-15 mm body | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Scorpionfly
Males have a bulbous upturned abdomen tip that resembles a scorpion stinger but is actually their genitalia and is completely harmless. Males offer nuptial gifts of saliva or dead insects.
Did You Know?
Male scorpionflies bring wedding presents — they offer females gifts of dead insects or secreted saliva droplets. Males with better gifts get longer mating opportunities.
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.