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Common scorpion fly

Common scorpion fly

Panorpa communis

A species of Panorpa, Also known as Common european scorpionfly

The common scorpion fly (Panorpa communis) is good at fooling people. This trick comes in the form of the "stinger" that males have. Instead, what looks like a stinger is actually its genitalia. The grasper connected to the genitals is what gives it its stinger-like appearance. The tricky insect also likes to steal aphids from spiderwebs, eat spider leftovers.

General Info About Common scorpion fly
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Attributes of Common scorpion fly
Colors
Black
Red
Orange
Habitat
hedgerow; patch of nettle
Adult Food Sources
Dead or dying insects, nectar, fruit, honeydew from aphids, occasional living prey
Larva Food Source
Dead insects, decaying plant matter, animal carcasses, fecal matter, decomposed organic material
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common scorpion fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Common scorpion fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Common scorpion fly
It is native to Europe (mostly) and Northern Asia.
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Distribution Area of Common scorpion fly
Europe, Northern Asia
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Appearance of Common scorpion fly
Panorpa communis can reach a body length of about 3 cm. The common scorpion fly has a black and yellow body, with a reddish head and tail. The adult insect has a wingspan of about 3.5 cm, with wings that are mostly clear, but have many dark spots or patches. Its head, mounted with large eyes, is drawn into a prominent, downward pointing beak, which opens at the tip of its head. The larva has three pairs of thoracic legs and eight pairs of prolegs.
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How to Identify Common scorpion fly?

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Life Cycle of Common scorpion fly
Egg The common scorpion fly begins as an egg, often laid in soil or plant material. The eggs are small, oval, and usually exhibit a color that camouflages them in their environment, providing protection against predators.
Larva As larvae, common scorpion flys resemble miniature versions of the adult without wings. They have chewing mouthparts and undergo several molts, growing incrementally in size and gradually developing adult features with each stage.
Pupal Common scorpion flys do not have a typical pupal stage like holometabolous insects, but instars can be resting stages similar to a pupal stage. During these periods, larvae may stop feeding and undergo significant developmental changes.
Adult The adult common scorpion fly is the final stage of development. With elongated bodies and wings, they acquire the ability to fly and mate. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism with distinct coloration and size differences between males and females.
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Adult Size of Common scorpion fly
3.5 cm
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Predators of Common scorpion fly Larvae
Amphibians, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Common scorpion fly
Birds, rodents, larger insects
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Interesting Facts About Common scorpion fly
The male common scorpion fly offers a silk-wrapped gift to potential mates, which is often a prey insect or a saliva secretion mimicking food.
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Scientific Classification of Common scorpion fly
Tips for Finding Common scorpion fly
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Youth Habitat of Common scorpion fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Common scorpion fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Common scorpion fly
Small dead insects or decaying organic material can sometimes attract adult common scorpion fly, as they often feed on such substances.
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Habitat Preferences of Common scorpion fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common scorpion fly are typically laid in moist soil or decaying vegetation. The larvae, which resemble caterpillars, can be found in similar conditions, usually under leaves or within soil rich in organic matter. In contrast, adult common scorpion flys are commonly found in meadows, gardens, and woodlands, often near streams or other bodies of water. To find the various stages, one would search the soil and leaf litter for eggs and larvae, while adults could be spotted resting on vegetation or flying near breeding habitats during warmer months.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common scorpion fly
The best time to find adult common scorpion fly is usually during warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn, during the daytime when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common scorpion fly
Adult common scorpion fly prefer mild to warm weather conditions and are more likely to be found on days that are not too hot or cold, without extreme wind or rain.
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How and Where Can You Find Common scorpion fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of common scorpion fly are typically found under rocks, leaf litter or decaying wood where they feed on organic matter. Searching these microhabitats delicately without disrupting the environment too much can reveal their presence.
Pupal During the pupal stage, common scorpion fly can be found in loose soil or under debris. Careful excavation near larval sites while avoiding damage to the pupae is necessary to locate them in this stage.
Adult Adult common scorpion fly are attracted to moisture and can often be found near streams or damp areas. Searching flowers, vegetation near water sources, and checking for their unique scorpion-like tail, characteristic of males, can assist in finding adults. Using sweep nets over grass and underbrush can also be an effective way to capture adult common scorpion fly.
Are Common scorpion fly harmful?
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