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Harpobittacus australis
This ferocious looking mosquito-like insect, which is often mistaken for a Cranefly, is a Hanging Fly or Hanging Scorpionfly. It had a dark head, tinted dark wings and long legs with sharp spines and opposable claws (pic 3). It was hanging by its front legs to a blade of grass. The hind legs were flexed with the tarsal claws wrapped around the abdomen of a dead Cranefly (Tipulidae). Note: Hanging Flies have 4 wings. Craneflies have two, and a pair of halteres ( modified hind wings).
Spotted in a reserve. They were in great numbers.
Occurrence record:
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/Harpobitta...
The male Hanging Fly hangs on vegetation by its forelegs and catches insects that fly-by. It kills them and holds them out as a display for a prospective mate.
I could not find much information about this fascinating behaviour or this insect. It belongs to the family Bittacidae in which the genus Bittacus has a worldwide distribution. Harpobittacus is seen in Australia.
Information on Order Mecoptera
http://anic.ento.csiro.au/INSECTFAMILIES...
Spotted on Nov 25, 2014
Submitted on Nov 27, 2014
4 Comments
Fantastic shots.
Thanks Jae. Absolutely fascinated by this behaviour !
Great detailed photos and information, Leuba.
Good series. Creepy beasty !!