Bittacus strigosus
HANGINGFLY FAMILY (Bittacidae)

Description
This Hangingfly is approximately 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length. It has a very small head with a long black “beak.” The thorax and abdomen are a plain orange-tan color. The wings are large and tan with light brown vertical markings across. The legs are long and tan-colored. These insects can be easily mistaken for Craneflies, but they have 4 wings, lack halteres and have 2 spurs on the legs just above the tarsii.

Occurrence
The Bittacus Hangingfly is common in this area. The individuals shown here were photographed in June and July in Fontenelle Forest.

Comments
This insect cannot stand on flat surfaces because it has prehensile feet ideally suited for hanging. It hangs by Its front and middle legs and uses its hind legs to capture prey. Prey species consist of flies and other small insects. Mating takes place while hanging from a perch. The males offer insects as nuptial gifts to the female, and mating takes place after she accepts the offering. Eggs are laid in leaf litter on the ground in summer and hatch the next spring. The larvae resemble caterpillars and scavenge dead insects. Adults are attracted to lights.

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