Common Scorpionflies

Family Panorpidae

Panorpa subsurcata. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Adult panorpids feed mainly on dead insects. The habits of the larvae are poorly known but they are probably scavengers. Common scorpionflies are found on various types of vegetation in open areas and forests. Panorpids have a long snout and are usually yellowish-brown with spotted or banded wings. The male genitalia are swollen and held curved up over the end of the abdomen like the stinger of a scorpion.