Panorpa acuta
This record describes Panorpa acuta (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing ground color clear, crossveins margined; apical band broken up with small pale spots; pterostigmal band broken, indistinct; marginal spots absent
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Mecoptera (Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies)
- Family
- Panorpidae (Common Scorpionflies)
- Genus
- Panorpa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Appalachian Mountains from NH to n. GA, several other northeastern states + so. ON & QC
Seasonal Activity
28 May--11 Aug at 3450-4800 ft. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Panorpa acuta Carpenter 1931
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa acuta. 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 Panorpa acuta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Panorpa acuta
What is Panorpa acuta?
Panorpa acuta is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How do you identify Panorpa acuta?
wing ground color clear, crossveins margined; apical band broken up with small pale spots; pterostigmal band broken, indistinct; marginal spots absent
Where is Panorpa acuta found?
Range: Appalachian Mountains from NH to n. GA, several other northeastern states + so. ON & QC
When is Panorpa acuta active?
Panorpa acuta: seasonal activity - 28 May--11 Aug at 3450-4800 ft. ( 4 ).