Macro Monday – Don't look at me!

This flying creature yellow and black insect is a Scorpion Fly. Scorpion flies belong to an ancient order of insects known as Mecoptera that can be traced back more than 250 million years ago, and are likely ancestors of butterflies and flies. It is 15 – 20 mm long and has a long, beak-like projection from its head that is uses to feed.

Scorpion fly has a curled tail that looks like a scorpion’s tail.

Although the name seems scary, the insect is completely harmless. It feeds on dead insects, and sometimes steals insects from the spider’s web.

I share this photo with Macro Monday Challenge.