Harpobittacus australis

Hangingfly at Bruce, ACT

Harpobittacus australis at Bruce, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
Harpobittacus australis at Bruce, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
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Identification history

Harpobittacus australis 11 Oct 2021 michaelb
Harpobittacus australis 11 Oct 2021 Tapirlord

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User's notes

Just one, host plant is d.auriculata

2 comments

michaelb wrote:
   11 Oct 2021
The adult Hangingflies have two pairs of wings, long spindly legs, and claws for gripping. They have biting and chewing mouthparts at end of a beak-like structure on the head, and good vision with their compound eyes. Both larvae and adult live in moist environments, such as marshes and soaks. When hunting they use their forelegs to hang from low vegetation, and capture small passing insects with their hind-legs. Their flexible claws will snap tight to hold a small insect.
Tapirlord wrote:
   11 Oct 2021
Very very interesting, thanks Michael. :)

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Sighting information

  • 1 Abundance
  • 4 Oct 2021 04:13 PM Recorded on
  • Tapirlord Recorded by

Additional information

  • 50mm or larger Animal size

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