Things With Wings
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Scorpionfly
Panorpa communis
1 photo
·1 photographer
·Common · 1 ptsLong-faced insect; males have a scorpion-like tail tip used in courtship.
1 community photo of Scorpionfly on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/500ss shutter, 300mm.
Species Profile
Not evaluated for UK conservation status; locally common and not of conservation concern
- Lifespan
- 4–6 weeks as adults; the entire life cycle from egg to death takes approximately 2–3 months
- Size & Weight
- 12–15 mm body length; wingspan approximately 25–30 mm
- Habitat
- Damp woodland edges, hedgerows, shaded gardens, and areas with nettle and bramble vegetation, typically in cool, humid conditions
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; resident species present from May through autumn, with populations peaking in summer and early autumn
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on dead insects, pollen, nectar, and rotting vegetation; also predates small living insects and mites
- Prey
- Small insects, mites, aphids, and dead arthropods; also nectar and pollen when available
- Predators
- Spiders, robber flies, ground beetles, and some birds such as flycatchers and warblers
- Mating Season
- June to September, with peak mating activity in July and August
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs singly or in small groups in soil or leaf litter; eggs hatch within 7–10 days; nymphs develop through multiple instars over 4–6 weeks before reaching adulthood
Sources and editorial status
The short identification summary comes from the Things With Wings species catalogue. The extended species profile is AI-assisted and has not been individually reviewed by a wildlife expert, so verify important identification or conservation details with the specialist sources below.
Profile generated 4 August 2026
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Camera Settings (top photos)
Shutter
1/500ss
ISO Range
400
Aperture
f/f/5.6
Focal Length
300mm
