Common Scorpionfly, female

Description:

Not a fly nor a scorpion, the scorpionfly is named after the male's abdominal appendage that looks similar to a scorpions tail. The appendage is used for mating purposes and holds no stinger. The females do not have this appendage (as you can see above). This species has a yellowish-orange body with black bands across the dorsal abdomen (the back). The wings are clear with black markings.

Habitat:

Temperate forest, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.