👉 The fly weapon, also known as the ovipositor or ovipositor-larval mouthparts, is a specialized structure found in certain flies, particularly those in the family Empididae and some species of Syrphidae. This unique appendage is used for laying eggs, but it also serves as a formidable weapon for defense and predation. When threatened, these flies can extend the ovipositor to pierce through the exoskeletons of other insects, inject venom or paralyzing substances, or even use it to grasp and immobilize prey. The ovipositor's sharp, needle-like tip is highly effective in both offense and defense, making it a crucial adaptation for survival in their ecological niches.
