This, above and below, is a male scorpion fly Panorpa communis, with the characteristic turned-up tail that gives it it's name - but which is a piece of equipment for mating rather than defensive armament.
........ and here's the female, the object of his desires. Sadly, he never got the chance to consummate the relationship, because as I watched ....
...... she was grabbed and eaten by this predatory sawfly, which I think is Rhodogaster viridis.
A small everyday tragedy in the undergrowth.
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Great shots!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful markings on their wings.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a way to meet your end! lol
Cracking sequence of superb photo's Phil
ReplyDeleteThanks lotusleaf, they are fascinating insects..
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Keith - very beautiful wings
ReplyDeleteThanks Stewart J, it's amazing what you see when you just sit in the grass and wait to see what turns up!
ReplyDelete