You’ve probably seen those adorable animal pictures online that make you melt with “awws.” But when you encounter a scorpionfly, the reaction is more likely to be a resounding “nope!” These insects, with their elongated snouts and menacing-looking tails, look like they belong in a science fiction horror film. But don’t be fooled by their appearance – scorpionflies are completely harmless to humans.
1. They’re Not Actually Related to Scorpions or Flies
Despite their name, scorpionflies are not related to scorpions or flies. Scorpions are arachnids, while flies are insects. Scorpionflies belong to the order Mecoptera, which also includes hanging flies. They have four wings, but they’re not very good flyers. They’re more like the clumsy cousin of the housefly, if you will.
2. Their “Stinger” is Actually Their Genitalia
That bulbous tip at the end of a scorpionfly’s abdomen that looks like a stinger? It’s actually the male’s genitalia. And it plays a rather unsettling role in their mating rituals.
3. Scorpionfly Sex: It’s Gross, It’s Weird, and It’s Totally Natural
If you thought animal mating rituals were strange, scorpionflies take the cake. Males attract females by vibrating their wings and releasing pheromones. Some species even offer dead insects or their own saliva to the females as a “gift” during mating.
The male uses his genitalia to pin the female down during mating, which can last for hours. And it’s not always a gentle process. Females often try to shake the male off, and the mating can even take place on human flesh.
4. Homicide Detectives Use Scorpionflies to Determine Time of Death
You read that right! Scorpionflies are attracted to rotting corpses, making them valuable tools for forensic scientists. They’re often the first insects to arrive at a crime scene, even before blowflies. By studying the presence of scorpionflies, investigators can estimate the time of death.
5. Their Faces Are Terrifying
Their strange mugs are probably the reason they were named after scorpions. Their mouths are serrated, allowing them to easily tear and chew their food, including the soft insides of their victims.
6. They’re Not Picky Eaters
If they’re not afraid of dead human flesh, you can bet they’re not picky eaters. Scorpionflies feast on a variety of foods, including other insects, pollen, nectar, fruit, and even each other’s saliva.
7. They Drink Human Sweat
They find sweat delicious, both from living and dead humans. So if you see one buzzing around you, don’t worry, they’re not going to sting or bite you. They’re just thirsty!
8. They’re Very Elusive
For a long time, scorpionflies were thought to be on the verge of extinction because only a handful of specimens had been found. But in 2012, a photographer in Florida captured images of a scorpionfly, confirming that they’re still around.
9. They’re Everywhere
There’s no escaping these mini-monsters! They live all over the globe, except for Antarctica. They tend to inhabit the edges of dense forests and other biomes.
10. Their Larvae Undergo an Intense Metamorphosis
If you thought the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly was bizarre, wait until you hear about scorpionflies. They go through a dramatic metamorphosis to achieve their unique appearance.
They start life as tiny, worm-like larvae, living in the soil and feeding on decaying matter. When they’re ready to pupate, they burrow into the soil and transform. When they emerge, they’re fully-formed, creepy-crawly scorpionflies.
The bizarre features and behaviors of scorpionflies are a result of their evolutionary history. They’ve adapted to survive in a variety of environments and have developed unique strategies for finding food, mating, and avoiding predators.
The male scorpionfly’s genitalia is a fascinating example of sexual selection. The bulbous tip is actually a specialized organ that helps the male secure a mate. It’s thought that the size and shape of the genitalia have evolved over time to become more attractive to females.
No, scorpionflies are completely harmless to humans. They don’t sting, bite, or carry diseases. They’re actually quite beneficial to the environment, as they help decompose organic matter and control insect populations.
If you see a scorpionfly, don’t panic! Just admire its unique appearance and appreciate the fact that you’re witnessing a fascinating creature of nature. You can even try to take a picture of it, but be careful not to disturb it.
Scorpionflies may not be the most charming creatures, but they’re certainly fascinating. Their strange appearance, bizarre mating rituals, and unique adaptations make them a true wonder of the natural world. So next time you see a scorpionfly, remember that it’s just a harmless insect doing its thing.
