Robber Fly?

[Phoebe]

I don't know much about flies but saw this one which was following a very faded and small white butterfly. From my books I think it's a type of Robber Fly but the book only show one with a yellow body with a dark tip. It was about 3 cm long.



Any ideas?

[JRsbugs]

It's a Scorpion Fly, Panorpa sp. of which there are 3 in the UK. Most common are P. communis and P. germanica, yours is a female and correct identification is not said to be possible without a specimen. The wing pattern is however more like P. germanica, this is not a reliable feature though.

Janet

[Phoebe]

Thanks Janet

A Scorpion fly! I've never heard of that. I have this photo that shows a bit more of the body if that's any help?

[JRsbugs]

The males have a tail end which looks like a scorpion and can be identified by the shape of that if certain parts can be seen, unfortunately you need to examine the genitals of the females!

[Phoebe]

Thanks for the information Janet, the Scorpion Fly is not mentioned in my 'very old' wildlife book - time to renew it I think!