Common Scorpionfly

Panorpa communis

Males possess a reproductive organ at the end of the body that is shaped like a scorpion's tail. Despite appearances it is not a stinger and is a harmless device used for grasping a female. Mating is a risky time for a male where caution must be exercised because the female may choose to consume him. To prevent this, he offers a drop of saliva, akin to giving her a box of chocolates. Mating typically takes place at night. Scorpion Flies can often be found on bramble from May until July when the sun shines. This species has large central spots on the wings that form a near continuous band across the wing.