-
This is a kind of scorpionfly (Mecoptera), and it was one of a TON. They look a lot like crane flies when they fly, but when you look closer you see the four wings, and maybe a prey item, and you realize it ain't no fly. BugGuide says there's only one Bittacus in the Pacific states, so I guess this is it. Sweet.
-
Super common at this site. I guess people don't observe this more often because there aren't many bug people from the foothills? Or because they look like crane flies?
-
-
-
-
-
I thought these insects were rare in the state, but they were common in many of the north-facing slopes I visited in the last few days -- far more common than crane flies!
-
In grassland.
-
SONY DSC
-
In grassland.
-
What is it
-
Wingless Scorpionfly (Apterobittacus apterus), Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, San Mateo County, California - 1 June 2013. Crawling awkwardly but quickly across the Spring Ridge Trail this morning. I thought this was a walkingstick, but v belov and the balabans from Bug Guide kindly provided the correct ID. A crappy photo, but my first from this order of insects. Supposedly this species is fairly common in grasslands in the Bay Area.