Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis)

I have headed this species up as Panorpa communis but there are several very similar species so I may have the species wrong, but the genus Panorpa is undoubtedly right.

The Scorpion Fly is not a true fly, ie a member of the order Diptera, it is more closely related to lacewings and caddis flies.

Although pretty nasty looking individuals they are quite harmless and do not live up to their name, Scorpion.

They are usually found in woodland and shady places and feed on dead animal matter and rotting fruit. You can see them from May through until August.

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