Harpobittacus australis

Hangingfly at Sth Tablelands Ecosystem Park

Harpobittacus australis at Sth Tablelands Ecosystem Park - 1 Dec 2023
Harpobittacus australis at Sth Tablelands Ecosystem Park - 1 Dec 2023
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Identification history

Harpobittacus australis 4 Dec 2023 MichaelMulvaney
Harpobittacus australis 3 Dec 2023 AndyRussell

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1 comment

RogerH wrote:
   4 Dec 2023
I looked up information on this species. Fascinating for sure.
From ALA: 'Scorpion Fly males hang on to vegetation by their front legs and use their hindlegs to catch passing insects. The male presents the female with an insect offering before they mate. The female drops cube-shaped eggs on the ground and when the caterpillars (larvae) hatch, they feed on dead insects. They are not true flies. '
Thanks for posting image.

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Nearby sightings

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 1 Abundance
  • 1 Dec 2023 03:37 PM Recorded on
  • AndyRussell Recorded by

Additional information

  • Leptospermum obovatum Associated plant
  • 25mm to 50mm Animal size
  • Unknown Gender
  • Alive / healthy Animal health
  • Waiting for prey to capture Insect behaviour on flower

Species information

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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