Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Scorpionfly" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33c Scorpionfly Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Scorpionflies belong to the order Mecoptera, which contains the families of Panorpidae, Bittacidae and Boreidae. These unusual insects derive their name from the modified tips of the male abdomens in the family Panorpidae. Somewhat resembling a scorpion's tail, the fearsome-looking, pincerlike appendage is not poisonous. Surprisingly, this unusual structure contains the male's reproductive organs! During courtship, the male offers sweet, protein rich saliva to the female. Many scientists believe this is to keep the female from consuming the male! While the female is distracted by his offerings, the male uses his pincer-tail to pull her towards him for copulation. After mating, the female deposits her eggs into soil where they develop into larvae that feed on decaying plant and animal material. Members of the family Bittacidae, the hanging Scorpionflies, are so named because they hang freely from plant stems, waiting for small insects to pass by their long, slender legs. Without warning, the last joints of their legs can snap back on the preceding joints to trap unwary prey. Members of the family Boreidae, snow Scorpionflies can be seen hopping and clambering about on the snow as they search for small insects and dead vegetation to consume. Size: 14.75 x 11.75 in. Unframed. (B16505)