This odd looking bug is known as a Scorpionfly (Panorpa nuptialis). They are so named because the male’s abdomen superficially resembles the stinger found on a scorpion. The Scorpionflies with visible abdomens in these pictures are all female, so the scorpion like appearance is not present.
I found these Scorpionflies feeding on animal dropping in the middle of a dirt trail in the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. The droppings appeared to contain undigested fruit material, possibly wild grapes. I had never seen or heard of these insects before I came across them on this day.
Observation Details
| County | – | Denton |
|
| City | – | Lewisville | |
| Date | – | Nov 18, 2012 | |
| Time of Day | – | Noon | |
| Temperature | – | Cool (50-69°F/10-21°C) | |
| Weather | – | Overcast | |
| Habitat | – | Recreation-Park | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Feeding | |
| Gender | – | Female | |
| Maturity | – | Adult | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson |
I’ve got a video of these mating at LLELA. I had no idea of what they were. Thanks for sharing. Now I’m smarter.
Yeah, these are interesting primitive looking bugs. I’ve only ever noticed them between mid-Oct and mid-Nov. When did you get your video?
-Chris