Red Scorpionfly
Panorpa rufa
This record describes Panorpa rufa (species). Recorded family: Panorpidae. Recorded order: Mecoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Relatively uncommon; closely related to P. nuptialis and P. lugubris . The Y-shaped subapical band distinguishes it from P. nuptialis . (Joshua Jones, pers. comm. 1/9/2008)
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
se. US (NC-FL-MS)
Seasonal Activity
mid-Oct to 20 Dec
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Panorpa rufa Gray 1832
About Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Mecoptera, the group containing Panorpa rufa. 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 Red Scorpionfly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Scorpionfly
What is Red Scorpionfly?
Red Scorpionfly (Panorpa rufa) is a species in the family Panorpidae, within the order Mecoptera.
How do you identify Red Scorpionfly?
Relatively uncommon; closely related to P. nuptialis and P. lugubris . The Y-shaped subapical band distinguishes it from P. nuptialis . (Joshua Jones, pers. comm. 1/9/2008)
Where is Red Scorpionfly found?
Range: se. US (NC-FL-MS)
When is Red Scorpionfly active?
Red Scorpionfly: seasonal activity - mid-Oct to 20 Dec.