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

CountyDenton
CityLewisville
DateNov 18, 2012
Time of DayNoon
TemperatureCool (50-69°F/10-21°C)
WeatherOvercast
HabitatRecreation-Park
Type of BehaviorFeeding
GenderFemale
MaturityAdult
ObserverChris Jackson

2 Replies to “Scorpionfly – LLELA”

  1. 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.

    1. 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

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