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Photo#863972
Owlfly - Ascaloptynx appendiculata

Owlfly - Ascaloptynx appendiculata
Southwestern Research Station, Chiricahuas, Cochise County, Arizona, USA
July 5, 2013
I'm curious what the small "L" shaped projection on the abdomen is used for.

Images of this individual: tag all
Owlfly - Ascaloptynx appendiculata Owlfly - Ascaloptynx appendiculata

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Isn't that projection...
...just the tip of a leg on the other side? It doesn't seem to be visible in your first shot.

 
Although it looks similar to a tarsal claw
I don't think so, you can make out the hindleg on the other side of the thorax.

 
Point taken :)
And now that I've looked at the full-size image, I think it's visible in the other shot, too.

Interesting.

 
:)
I don't know what sex this individual is, but maybe it serves some purpose in mating?

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