Mystery insect

Today me and a friend took a walk into a spot of forest in my backyard we saw this really strange insect. It was a little bigger then a dragonfly, same thickness, it had a tail that curved and kinda looked like a scorpions tail. You guys have any idea of what it could be?

Could it be a mosquito eater.....I dont know the technical name but thats what we always called them and they look like large dragon flies.

you may find your insect amongst the images in this google search for Mecoptera

Mecoptera are the scorpion flies or hanging flies. Scorpion flies are so-called as they carry their genitalia in an upturned position that resembles a scorpion's tail. Some species hang from vegetation on their front legs and catch prey with their hind legs, hence 'hanging flies.' Mecoptera have beak-like heads, prominent and clear spotted wings. They are small to medium in length, with slender bodies and long antennae. Most of the larvae resemble caterpillars. The adults have biting mouth parts.

www.bbc.co.uk...

(I'm no expert though, this is what google found for me)

[edit on 17-8-2005 by pantha]

Originally posted by pantha
you may find your insect amongst the images in this google search for Mecoptera
[edit on 17-8-2005 by pantha]

God I never knew such insect existed (>....>

Does it sting people with its tail? If you try to fool around with it.

Originally posted by Humster

Originally posted by pantha
you may find your insect amongst the images in this google search for Mecoptera
[edit on 17-8-2005 by pantha]

God I never knew such insect existed (>....>

Does it sting people with its tail? If you try to fool around with it.

uhum how to put this uh his "tail" is actually his genitals only males have this feature

Originally posted by Hvitserk
uhum how to put this uh his "tail" is actually his genitals

only males have this feature

So for this species, it's the females out looking for some tail?

Originally posted by Hvitserk
uhum how to put this uh his "tail" is actually his genitals

only males have this feature

..... Somebody shoot me....
Guess nature has its own ways of showing stuff. One is a reproductive organ, the other is Death dealing.

Sorry for not being this spefic the first time but the "scorpions" tail was reverse. Instead of coming up and forward in when up and backward. It took me a few moments to realize this after I saw it. Sorry again.