Panorpa germanica (German Scorpionfly)

Description:

Panorpa germanica belongs to a small group of insects called scorpionflies.
The males have enlarged genitals that look similar to the stinger of a scorpion which explains the name of this group.
The females have a shorter and smaller tail than the males.
In spite of the reference to dangerous scorpions, there is no need to be afraid of scorpionflies as they do not sting or bite.
They feed on rotting fruit and plants mainly and sometimes they suck on dead insects.
In the Netherlands there are 4 Panorpa species: Panorpa vulgaris, Panorpa communis, Panorpa cognata and Panorpa germanica. 
Panorpa germanica can easily be identified by the absence of the clear black band on the wing and overall less black patterns on the wings.

Sarsven en De Banen Nature Reserve, Nederweert, The Netherlands, 12 May 2012

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