Wingless Scorpionfly
Apterobittacus apterus
This record describes Apterobittacus apterus (species). Recorded family: Bittacidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Mecoptera (Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies)
- Family
- Bittacidae (Hangingflies)
- Genus
- Apterobittacus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy hillsides
Geographic Range
Central California; common in Bay Area
Seasonal Activity
late March to early June
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apterobittacus apterus (McLachlan 1871)
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Apterobittacus apterus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Mecoptera (scorpionflies) includes ~600 described species. Males of many species have an upturned abdomen tip resembling a scorpion's stinger, but they are completely harmless. Mecoptera are among the oldest insect orders with fossils dating to the Permian period (~270 million years ago).
Ecological role of the group
Scorpionflies are primarily scavengers feeding on dead insects and decaying organic matter. Some species practice 'nuptial gifting' - males offer prey items or salivary secretions to females as mating gifts.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Scorpionflies have little direct economic impact but are valuable research subjects - they are considered ancestral to fleas and possibly to all holometabolous insects (those with complete metamorphosis).
Recorded sources for this group: Entomological research, paleontology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Wingless Scorpionfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by Domingo Zungri , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Wingless Scorpionfly
How big is Wingless Scorpionfly?
Adult to 20 mm
Where is Wingless Scorpionfly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grassy hillsides |
| Range | Central California; common in Bay Area |
When is Wingless Scorpionfly active?
Wingless Scorpionfly: seasonal activity - late March to early June.