Scorpion fly

The scorpion-like tail is only seen in the male and is in fact its genitalia - and doesn't sting! There are three Panorpa species in Britain and all require close examination with a microscope or good hand lens to distinguish them. In males this involves looking at the ventral surface of the genital capsule and in females the ovipositor. A good close up photo of the male is often enough to see the hypovalves on top of the genital capsule. Naturespot

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