Panorpa claripennis
This record describes Panorpa claripennis (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing ground color clear, crossveins lightly margined, apical band dark brown, broken posteriorly; pterostigmal band brown, continuous; basal band reduced to two large spots; marginal spots absent common; appears earlier in the year than most other species
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
floodplain or similar poorly drained habitats; often seen on foliage of Jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis )
Geographic Range
se. Canada to n. FL, west to MI-WI ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Panorpa claripennis Hine 1901
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa claripennis. 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 claripennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Panorpa claripennis
What is Panorpa claripennis?
Panorpa claripennis is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How do you identify Panorpa claripennis?
wing ground color clear, crossveins lightly margined, apical band dark brown, broken posteriorly; pterostigmal band brown, continuous; basal band reduced to two large spots; marginal spots absent
Where is Panorpa claripennis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | floodplain or similar poorly drained habitats; often seen on foliage of Jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis ) |
| Range | se. Canada to n. FL, west to MI-WI ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |
When is Panorpa claripennis active?
Panorpa claripennis: seasonal activity - May-Jul ( 3 ).