Panorpa debilis
This record describes Panorpa debilis (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing ground color clear, crossveins margined; apical band dark brown, broad anteriorly, narrow posteriorly, sometimes interrupted with clear spots; pterostigmal band brown, continuous; marginal spots absent
Wikipedia reference for Panorpa debilis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panorpa_debilis.
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
common in a variety of habitats within its range
Geographic Range
northeastern United States (NH-WI-TN-NC) and southeastern Canada (ON, QC)
Seasonal Activity
June to August
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa debilis. 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 debilis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Panorpa debilis
What is Panorpa debilis?
Panorpa debilis is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How do you identify Panorpa debilis?
wing ground color clear, crossveins margined; apical band dark brown, broad anteriorly, narrow posteriorly, sometimes interrupted with clear spots; pterostigmal band brown, continuous; marginal spots absent
Where is Panorpa debilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in a variety of habitats within its range |
| Range | northeastern United States (NH-WI-TN-NC) and southeastern Canada (ON, QC) |
When is Panorpa debilis active?
Panorpa debilis: seasonal activity - June to August.