# Common European Scorpionfly (*Panorpa communis*) The Common European Scorpionfly is a unique insect with a long body and wings that look like a dragonfly's. They are often found in gardens and meadows, where they enjoy sunny spots. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Meadows ![Common European Scorpionfly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Panorpa_communis_2006-07-11.jpg&width=800) Photo: Original uploader was Algirdas at lt.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorpa_communis_2006-07-11.jpg) ## Appearance The Common European Scorpionfly has a slender, yellowish body with dark markings, especially on its clear, membranous wings which often have black spots. Its head is reddish with long antennae, and males distinctively possess a bulbous, scorpion-like tail used for mating, not stinging. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Mecoptera - **Family:** Panorpidae - **Genus:** Panorpa ## Interesting facts - Female scorpionflies can sometimes mate with several males, choosing the best 'nuptial gifts' each time! - Some male scorpionflies will steal gifts from other males to impress a female! - Their family, Mecoptera, are ancient insects with fossils dating back over 250 million years! - Young scorpionflies (larvae) live in the soil and look like caterpillars with small legs! ## Special abilities - **Tail-Twist Attraction:** Common European Scorpionfly males have a unique 'scorpion-like' tail (genital claspers) that helps them grasp and hold females during mating. - **Gift-Giving Courtship:** Common European Scorpionfly males can offer nuptial gifts, like dead insects or saliva, to females, increasing mating success. - **Scavenger Sensors:** Common European Scorpionfly can detect decaying organic matter using their antennae to find vital food sources in their habitat. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-35 mm - **Size:** 9-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 20-30 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These curious insects mostly eat dead insects and sweet plant nectar, helping to clean up nature's leftovers. - **Age differences:** Larvae eat decaying organic matter in soil, while adults primarily consume dead insects and nectar. - **Primary Foods:** dead insects, nectar, pollen, fruit juices, honeydew - **Foraging Method:** Scavenging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Common House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Scavenges on their dead bodies found in vegetation. - **Eaten by:** [Cross Orbweaver](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cross-orbweaver) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Caught in their webs as they fly through undergrowth. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Foraged by birds as a source of insect protein. - **Depends on:** [Common Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Feeds on nectar from its flowers for energy. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Scorpionflies are safe to watch, but it's best to leave them alone and not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Common European Scorpionfly? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Common European Scorpionfly's wingspan? 25-35 mm ### How big is Common European Scorpionfly? 9-15 mm ### How long does Common European Scorpionfly live? 20-30 days ### What does Common European Scorpionfly eat? These curious insects mostly eat dead insects and sweet plant nectar, helping to clean up nature's leftovers. ### Where is Common European Scorpionfly usually found? Meadows ### How does Common European Scorpionfly hunt? Scavenging ### How many legs does Common European Scorpionfly have? 6 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Common European Scorpionfly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-european-scorpionfly)