All because the lady loves .............. saliva!
This is the male Scorpion Fly. It was the female I uploaded yesterday. The Scorpion-like bulbous tail is only seen in the male and is in fact it's genitalia - and doesn't sting! They feed mostly on dead insects, which they frequently steal from the webs of spiders. Mating usually takes place at night. It can be a dangerous time for the male, because if he is not careful, the female might decide to kill him! To avoid this he presents her with a gift of a drop of saliva which, it seems, in the world of Scorpion Flies, is the equivalent of a bunch of roses or a box of chocolates.
Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment or fav my images.
All because the lady loves .............. saliva!
This is the male Scorpion Fly. It was the female I uploaded yesterday. The Scorpion-like bulbous tail is only seen in the male and is in fact it's genitalia - and doesn't sting! They feed mostly on dead insects, which they frequently steal from the webs of spiders. Mating usually takes place at night. It can be a dangerous time for the male, because if he is not careful, the female might decide to kill him! To avoid this he presents her with a gift of a drop of saliva which, it seems, in the world of Scorpion Flies, is the equivalent of a bunch of roses or a box of chocolates.
Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment or fav my images.