Common Scorpion Fly

Panorama communis

Very common & widespread around Britain.

Flies from May-September.

Hence the name.

They have a black and yellow body, with a reddish head and tail.

The Male has a pair of claspers at the end of its tail (for holding the Female during mating), giving it a scorpion-like appearance, although it is not a stinger.

Adults have a wingspan of about 35 millimetres (1.4 in) with wings that are mostly clear, but have many dark spots or patches. Its head, mounted with large eyes, is drawn into a prominent, downward pointing beak, which opens at the tip of its head.

Females are longer, heavier, and have longer legs than Males.

The Larva resembles a caterpillar and grows up to 20 millimetres (0.79 in) long.