Department of Entomology

Mecoptera (Scorpionflies)

Family Fact Sheet

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Mecoptera - Brigham Young/VPI & SU PCD0330065

I. Background information

A. Origin of name

1. Greek - meco, long; ptera, wings
2. Relates to the modification of front wings into elytra which cover the hind wings when at rest. Not appropriate for many N. Amer. species with some wingless forms.

B. Classification

1. Suborders - none
2. America north of Mexico - 5 families, 10 genera, 75 species
3. World - 9 families, 34 genera, 475 species
4. Estimate of undescribed species - 20% World-wide

C. Common names - Scorpionflies

D. Type of metamorphosis - Holometabolous

E. Phylogenetic relationships

1. Probably the ancestral form of the Diptera and Siphonaptera.
2. Many more families and genera are known from the fossil record than are known today.

II. Morphological characteristics

A. Slender body with the head prolonged into a beak or rostrum (except in the Panorpopodidae).

B. Most have four long narrow membranous wings which are similar in size and venation. Some species are wingless (e.g., Boreidae)

C. Chewing type mouthparts.

D. Antennae threadlike about one-half the length of the body.

III. Biological summary for the order

A. Life history

1. Eggs - laid moist protected places.
2. Larvae - four instars in the soil where they feed on dead insects
3. Pupae - pupation occurs in an earthen cell
4. Adults

B. Habitat

1. Usually in or near wooded areas
2. Immatures in soil

C. Habits (mode of existence)

1. Predaceous, scavengers, or feed on mosses (Boreidae).

D. Collecting and preserving

1. Net
2. Hand
3. Larvae in Berlese funnels
4. Pinned or pointed.
5. Envelopes useful for storage prior to mounting on pins or points.
5. 80% alcohol suitable for both adults and larvae.

F. Behavior

1. Some species hang inverted and catch prey with raptorial hind legs (Battacidae).
2. Others feed on dead or dying insects and simply fly about on vegetation.
3. Boreidae occur on snow and feed on mosses.

G. Significance

No economic significance.