Harpobittacus septentrionis

Harpobittacus septentrionis is a species of hangingfly or scorpionfly of the family Bittacidae found on the north-east coast of Australia.[1]

Harpobittacus septentrionis
Scorpionfly, Hangingfly
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Mecoptera
Family:
Bittacidae
Genus:
Harpobittacus
Species:
H. septentrionis
Binomial name
Harpobittacus septentrionis
Lambkin, 1994

Description

Harpobittacus septentrionis is about 30mm in length, with a bright orange head and thorax. The abdomen is orange with black ventral and dorsal markings. The legs are orange, black at the joints and claws. It has two sets of membranous wings as distinct from a true fly which has one set.[2]

Distribution

Harpobittacus septentrionis has only been recorded on the ranges and adjacent inland in north-east Queensland from around Mackay to Cairns.

Habit

Harpobittacus septentrionis hang from plants by the two forelegs, and capture prey using their hind and middle legs.

References
  1. "Atlas of Living Australia- Harpobittacus sententrionis". Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  2. "CSIRO Mecoptera: scorpionflies". Retrieved 28 March 2017.


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