Mourning Scorpionfly
Panorpa lugubris
This record describes Panorpa lugubris (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
wings distinctive (black with white bands/spots) locally common
Wikipedia reference for Panorpa lugubris: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panorpa_lugubris.
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
Fields, meadows
Geographic Range
se. US (VA-FL-MS)
Seasonal Activity
small spring emergence (mid-Apr to early Jun) and a much larger fall emergence (Sep-Dec) + a few Aug & Jan records
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Panorpa lugubris Swederus 1787
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa lugubris. 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 Mourning Scorpionfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Mourning Scorpionfly
What is Mourning Scorpionfly?
Mourning Scorpionfly (Panorpa lugubris) is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How big is Mourning Scorpionfly?
12-25 mm, males larger
How do you identify Mourning Scorpionfly?
wings distinctive (black with white bands/spots)
Where is Mourning Scorpionfly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fields, meadows |
| Range | se. US (VA-FL-MS) |
When is Mourning Scorpionfly active?
Mourning Scorpionfly: seasonal activity - small spring emergence (mid-Apr to early Jun) and a much larger fall emergence (Sep-Dec) + a few Aug & Jan records.