Harpobittacus australis
| Harpobittacus australis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scorpionfly, Hangingfly | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Mecoptera |
| Family: | Bittacidae |
| Genus: | Harpobittacus |
| Species: | H. australis |
| Binomial name | |
| Harpobittacus australis Klug, 1838 | |
Harpobittacus australis is a species of hangingfly or scorpionfly of the family Bittacidae found on the east coast of Australia.[1]
Description
Harpobittacus australis is about 30mm in length, with a bright orange head and thorax. The abdomen is orange with black ventral and dorsal markings. The legs are orange, black at the joints and claws. It has two sets of membranous wings as distinct from a true fly which has one set. [2]
Distribution
From Atlas of Living Australia records, it has been recorded in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. This image however was taken in far north Queensland, and other examples from Queensland exist.[3]
Habit
Harpobittacus australis hang from plants by the two forelegs, and capture prey using their hind and middle legs.[3]
References
- ↑ "Atlas of Living Australia- Harpobittacus australis". Retrieved 28 March 2017.
- ↑ "CSIRO Mecoptera: scorpionflies". Retrieved 28 March 2017.
- 1 2 "Brisbane insects.com". Retrieved 28 March 2017.