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Meadow Scorpionfly
ExploreInsects
Meadow Scorpionfly
Panorpa vulgaris
The Meadow Scorpionfly is a unique insect with long wings and a funny tail that looks like a scorpion! They love to fly around meadows and gardens, searching for food and friends.
Habitat: Meadows
Appearance
The Meadow Scorpionfly has a slender, yellowish-brown body and two pairs of clear, membranous wings often marked with dark spots. Males possess a distinctive upward-curving 'tail' with claspers that resembles a scorpion's sting, though it is completely harmless. Its long head ends in a downward-curving rostrum, giving it a unique profile.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderMecopteraFamilyPanorpidaeGenusPanorpa
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Males sometimes steal dead insects from spider webs to offer as impressive gifts to females!
Meadow Scorpionfly larvae live hidden underground, looking like caterpillars while helping decompose!
They are living fossils! Scorpionflies belong to an ancient insect order that lived with dinosaurs!
They have chewing mouthparts at the end of a long, downward-curving 'beak' for munching food!
Special abilities
Ability
Mimicry Master
Meadow Scorpionfly males have a tail that looks like a scorpion's sting, which helps them deter predators from attacking.
Ability
Nature's Cleaner
Meadow Scorpionflies can feed on dead insects and decaying organic matter, helping them keep ecosystems tidy.
Ability
Flight Navigator
Meadow Scorpionflies have two pairs of veined wings that help them expertly navigate through dense vegetation.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-45 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They primarily feast on dead insects and rotting fruits, but also sip on nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae primarily consume decaying organic matter and dead insects within the soil, while adults are more active scavengers and foragers above ground.
Primary Foods
- Dead insects
- Rotting fruit
- Nectar
- Pollen
- Sap
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Robins are generalist insectivores that will prey on scorpionflies.
eaten by
Garden Cross Spider
Araneus diadematus
Scorpionflies can get trapped in spider webs and become prey.
eats
Common Housefly
Musca domestica
Adult scorpionflies often scavenge on dead or dying houseflies.
eats
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
They feed on the juices of overripe wild berries, like strawberries.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Scorpionflies are safe to watch, but it's best to look without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meadow Scorpionfly's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Meadow Scorpionfly?
15-25 mm
How long does Meadow Scorpionfly live?
15-45 days
How fast can Meadow Scorpionfly fly?
5 km/h
What does Meadow Scorpionfly eat?
They primarily feast on dead insects and rotting fruits, but also sip on nectar from flowers.
Where is Meadow Scorpionfly usually found?
Meadows
How does Meadow Scorpionfly hunt?
Scavenging
How many legs does Meadow Scorpionfly have?
6
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