The delicate, elongated body of german scorpionfly culminates in a segmented, tapered abdomen, flaunting black and yellow bands from its thorax to its distinguishing scorpion-like tail. Its wings, membranous and finely veined, rest folded back when idle. As it matures from larva to adult, german scorpionfly transitions from a soil-burrowing life feasting on decaying vegetation, to a versatile diet that incorporates living invertebrates and carrion, displaying its adept adaptation for survival.