That's Not a Stinger, Pt. 4 - _TNY_2230

Here is my first male scorpion fly (Panorpa communis) - after finding several females (like: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/33061271368/).

 

Only the males have that red "stinger" which give that common name - but it isn't a stinger at all. Instead it's used for mating so next time you see one, remember that this is the insect with a big red *beep* on its back.

 

One cool thing about scorpionflies is that they have been known to pick dead insects out of spider webs - I'm sure tht beak is useful for it.

 

Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51294784043/

 

Part 2 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51423979271/

 

Part 3 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52356989263/

Done