Template:POTD/2016-06-05
The
scorpionflies
. This family contains more than 350 species. These insects, which average 9–25 mm long, have four membranous wings and threadlike antennae. Their elongated faces terminate with jaws that are used to feed on dead and dying insects, nectar, and rotting fruit. While in larval form, they scavenge by consuming dead insects on the ground.
Pictured here is a Panorpa alpina male.Photograph: Luc Viatour