May 29, 2007 - Timber Creek Park, O'Fallon, St. Clair County, Illinois

A Web Page by Roy Beckemeyer

Last Updated 1 June 2007

Mecoptera: Panorpidae: Panorpa sp.; 

Background, Right and Below Left:  A female Panorpa species scorpionfly (Mecoptera: Panorpidae).  These insects were fairly commonly seen on leaves from 6 inches to 30 inches above the ground in shade both in and on the margin of wooded areas of the park.  They were easily disturbed, and when I got too close, they would fly a short distance to another leaf. 

Right Below: A male Panorpa species.  I could not get close enough to this male to get a good lateral view of the terminalia; the genital appendages are upturned and reminiscent of the upturned abdomen of a scorpion, hence the common name Scorpionfly.  I saw at least 6 separate females and photographed 3 of them.  However, I saw and photographed only this single male specimen. 

Below Left:  Another view of a female Panorpa sp.