Your Complete Guide to Scorpion Fly and its Characteristics

By the nature of its name, most would think that a scorpion fly bears the same characteristics as its arachnid counterpart, the scorpion, known for its pincers and stingers. If you think about a flying scorpion, it can be easy to think of some horrible insect that can cause traumatic injuries. 

But a scorpion fly is harmless, with its delicate appearance. Its larvae stage closely resembles a caterpillar while the adult form looks closer to a wasp. It should not be, however, confused with a bald-faced hornet. Due to its chewing mouthpart, scorpion flies can sometimes be mistaken as bed bugs. 

Knowing what scorpion flies are and their characteristics is a must to prevent such mistakes. 

What Scorpion Flies Are

Scorpion flies are winged insects that belong to the order Mecoptera, meaning “long wing.” Like their namesake, these insects have a long abdomen that ends with a “stinger” that curls up like a scorpion. However, this bulblike segment is the genitalia of the male scorpion fly. It doesn’t sting and cannot cause any harm. Female species of scorpionflies lack this segment.

Several species of scorpionflies have chewing mouthparts present at the tip of an elongated beak. They also have long filiform antennae and two pairs of veined wings, which can be banded, transparent, or spotted.

Fast Facts of Scorpion Fly

Here are some quick facts about this species of insects: 

• A scorpion fly, while they have long wings, often has a short flight duration. 
• Generally regarded as omnivores, some insects that belong to the Chorista species are mostly herbivorous. 
• An adult scorpion fly emerges in huge numbers during late fall (October and November).
• The larval form resembles caterpillars. 
• Widespread in wooded areas like gardens and forests. 

Life Cycle

The life cycle of scorpion flies varies per species but is characterized by a complex metamorphosis. Scorpion flies begin their life as eggs deposited in moist leaf litter or soil. But some aquatic species would lay their eggs in water. Scorpion fly larvae develop by three instars for about a month before transforming into a pupa within a soil chamber. Depending on the species, the pupa stage can last for several months, with most species emerging in late fall. Their entire life cycle often lasts a year. 

Habitat

Scorpion flies are most predominant in a colder environment with high moisture. They’re typically found in mountainous areas and coastal regions. However, some species may also be present in marshy areas. 

Some adult scorpion flies species, the hanging-flies, hang from low vegetation, such as nettlebeds and hedgerows, where they wait for their prey. They also prefer well-wooded areas.

Like any winged insect, scorpion flies can wing it out to travel from one place to another. 

Food Sources

The larva and adult scorpion flies are scavengers. They would often feed on dying or dead animals or insects. Some male scorpion flies will steal dead insects trapped on spider webs. When not available, they can also use their chewing mouthparts to suck on the nectars from fruits, flowers, and pollen. 

During mating, male scorpion flies present dead insects to the female to appease her. Otherwise, the female scorpion fly might end up killing the male. 

Pest Status

While male scorpion flies have a body resembling scorpion stingers, they are harmless and are not pests to humans. They cannot sting or bite. They are beneficial for nature as they maintain balance in the ecosystem as a scavenger. 

Scorpion flies also do not cause any harm to crops or other animals. 

How to Identify Scorpion Flies

When in nature, it’s quite easy to spot male scorpion flies. Looking at the male’s abdomen tip, curled up back, can indicate their species since they resemble a scary scorpion. Their general appearance may be somewhat similar to long-faced wasps. 

When not in flight, the wings often assume the V position. Male scorpion flies have developed salivary glands to offer as gifts to the female during mating. Most females prefer those with salivary glands when choosing a mating partner. 

However, their female counterpart may need careful inspection. Examination with a microscope may be necessary. The female’s abdomen tip tapers to a point and has two tiny appendages, called cerci.