Cedar Creek
Natural History Area


Insects of Cedar Creek

Order MECOPTERA

Family BITTACIDAE

(Hangingflies)

Hanging Scorpion Flies (11 NA spp; 3 MN spp) occur near streams. Adults have long slender legs with which they grasp live insect prey. They also exhibit interesting mating behaviors--males presenting prey items to potential mates? (Thornhill, xx). Three species of Bittacus  occur in Minnesota, but none have been collected at Cedar Creek.


jhaar@lter.umn.edu Last updated May, 2000