German Scorpionfly

Panorpa germanica

TQ4793 10/05/2022 ©Raymond Small

On the German Scorpionfly the spots on the wings do not form continuous band across the wing. Scorpionflies are so-called because the male has a reproductive organ at the end of the body that looks similar to a scorpion's tail. Despite appearances it is not a stinger and is totally harmless. The device is used for grasping a female during mating. A male has to take care when mating because the female may decide to kill him to eat. To prevent this he gives her a drop of saliva which is equivalent to giving a box of chocolates. Mating usually occurs at night and can be a dangerous for time for the male.

TQ4792 27/08/2020 ©Raymond Small

Scorpionflies are predatory winged insects that scavenge for dead insects and also steal food from spiders' webs.

Genital Capsule comparison

TQ4793 20/06/2022 ©Raymond Small

Common Scorpionfly Male (left): Genital capsule on the tail has long callipers that are slender and curved outwards at the middle with tips that almost touch.

German Scorpionfly Male (centre): Callipers on the genital capsule are short, broad and almost straight with the tips noticeably expanded.

Common Scorpionfly Female (middle): Rear is straight and does not curl like a scorpion's tail.

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