Nuptial Scorpionfly
Panorpa nuptialis
This record describes Panorpa nuptialis (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large for this genus. Wings distinctive, heavily marked with broad dark bands in ( 3 ) , the name of the author is misspelled and the range is erroneously described
Wikipedia reference for Panorpa nuptialis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panorpa_nuptialis.
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
so. central US (MO-AL-TX); Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Sep-Nov (to early Dec in the so. part of range), peak emergence in Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Panorpa nuptialis Gerstaecker 1863
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa nuptialis. 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 Nuptial Scorpionfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Nuptial Scorpionfly
What is Nuptial Scorpionfly?
Nuptial Scorpionfly (Panorpa nuptialis) is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How do you identify Nuptial Scorpionfly?
Large for this genus. Wings distinctive, heavily marked with broad dark bands
Where is Nuptial Scorpionfly found?
Range: so. central US (MO-AL-TX); Mexico
When is Nuptial Scorpionfly active?
Nuptial Scorpionfly: seasonal activity - Sep-Nov (to early Dec in the so. part of range), peak emergence in Oct.