Panorpa banksi
This record describes Panorpa banksi (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing ground color usually clear (some specimens have faint yellow wing membranes), crossveins margined; apical band dark brown; pterostigmal band broken into small dark brown spots; 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
Habitat
characteristic species of relatively dry areas, such as eastern prairies and oak savannahs
Geographic Range
e. US (ME-GA to IA) + so. ON
Seasonal Activity
10 May--26 Aug
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Panorpa banksi Hine 1901
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa banksi. 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 banksi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Panorpa banksi
What is Panorpa banksi?
Panorpa banksi is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How do you identify Panorpa banksi?
wing ground color usually clear (some specimens have faint yellow wing membranes), crossveins margined; apical band dark brown; pterostigmal band broken into small dark brown spots; marginal spots absent
Where is Panorpa banksi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | characteristic species of relatively dry areas, such as eastern prairies and oak savannahs |
| Range | e. US (ME-GA to IA) + so. ON |
When is Panorpa banksi active?
Panorpa banksi: seasonal activity - 10 May--26 Aug.