INSECTS / MECOPTERA

SCORPIONFLIES

Scorpionflies are so-called because the male has a reproductive organ at the end of the body that looks similar to a scorpion's tail. Despite appearances it is not a stinger and is totally harmless. The device is used for grasping a female during mating.  There are three British species; Panorpa communis and Panorpa germanica have been recorded in Hainault Forest.

The Common Scorpionfly (10-15mm) is commoner than the German Scorpionfly in Hainault Forest. They are often found on bramble when the sun shines in June and July. The large central spots on the wings are merged forming a nearly continuous band across the wing. The genital capsule on the tail has long callipers that are slender and curved outwards at the middle with tips that almost meet.

The German Scorpionfly (10-12mm) is occasionally found in Hainault Forest. In the case of this species the callipers on the genital capsule are short, broad and almost straight with the tips noticeably expanded.

From left to right:

Common Male: Genital capsule on the tail has long callipers that are slender and curved outwards at the middle with tips that almost touch.

German Male: Callipers on the genital capsule are short, broad and almost straight with the tips noticeably expanded.

Common Female: Rear is straight and does not curl like a scorpion's tail.

Scorpionflies are predatory winged insects that scavenge for dead insects and also steal food from spiders' webs. A male has to take care when mating because the female may decide to kill him to eat. To prevent this he gives her a drop of saliva which is equivalent to giving a box of chocolates. Mating usually occurs at night and can be a dangerous for time for the male. 

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