American Scorpionfly vs Earwig Scorpionfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Scorpionfly | Earwig Scorpionfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panorpa nuptialis | Merope tuber |
| Order | Mecoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Panorpidae | Meropeidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
American Scorpionfly
A large scorpionfly found in the southeastern United States with prominent wing spots. Males engage in elaborate courtship rituals involving nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
This species was key to discovering that nuptial gift-giving in scorpionflies helps males avoid being eaten by females.
Earwig Scorpionfly
An extremely rare and primitive scorpionfly with forcep-like cerci reminiscent of earwigs. It is nocturnal and found in leaf litter of old-growth eastern North American forests.
Did You Know?
Merope tuber is so rarely encountered that its biology and ecology remain largely mysterious despite being described over 150 years ago.