Common scorpionfly
Panorpa communis
18 mmAdult female
Body length
Body length
od przodu głowy do końca odwłoka · bez ryjka, czułków, nóg i wystających skrzydełMeasurement: side
Common scorpionfly — size comparison
The common scorpionfly lives in damp thickets, clearings, parks and gardens. Its elongated face forms a downward-pointing snout, and dark patches mark its trans
Silhouette comparison
Length
od przodu głowy do końca odwłoka · bez ryjka, czułków, nóg i wystających skrzydełScale for the stated dimensions · each animal is labelled
Measurement comparisonScale in cm
0246810
18 mm
8.56 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Common scorpionfly — size comparison — facts and sources
The common scorpionfly lives in damp thickets, clearings, parks and gardens. Its elongated face forms a downward-pointing snout, and dark patches mark its transparent wings. The male has a characteristically upturned abdominal tip absent in the female.
Adults gather dead insects, honeydew, nectar and pollen. They can also take prey from spider webs, coming into contact with another predator's trap. The scorpionfly has no sting.
Larvae live in soil and feed on decaying organic matter. A larva or pupa may survive the winter, depending on developmental progress. Related species are distinguished by wing details and the structure of the abdominal tip, so general insect shape alone does not provide a reliable identification.