Mecoptera is an order of insects in the superorder Holometabola with about six hundred species in nine families worldwide. Mecopterans are sometimes called scorpionflies after their largest family, Panorpidae, in which the males have enlarged genitals raised over the body that look similar to the stingers of scorpions, and long beaklike rostra. The Bittacidae, or hangingflies, are another prominent family and are known for their elaborate mating rituals, in which females choose mates based on the quality of gift prey offered to them by the males. A smaller group is the snow scorpionflies, family Boreidae, adults of which are sometimes seen walking on snowfields. In contrast, the majority of species in the order inhabit moist environments in tropical locations.
Panorpa communis, the common scorpionfly, is a species of scorpionfly.
Panorpa nuptialis is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae found in North America. It is known to be quite common in Texas, in wooded areas, and densely vegetated ravines. Despite its name it does not use its tail to sting but rather to mate with females of its species.
Panorpa ensigera is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa mirabilis is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa lugubris, the mourning scorpionfly, is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America. The mourning scorpionfly is associated with the longleaf pine ecosystem.
Panorpa banksi is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa isolata is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa banksiana is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa oconee is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa claripennis is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa subfurcata is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa anomala is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa neglecta is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is indigenous to North America.
Panorpa palustris is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa consuetudinis is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa americana is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa galerita is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa speciosa is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
Panorpa hungerfordi is a species of common scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae. It is found in North America.
