Panorpodidae

Definition

A small family of scorpionflies (order Mecoptera) distinguished from the related Panorpidae by exceptionally short mandibles—among the shortest of all mecopterans. The family comprises two disjunct genera: Brachypanorpa, restricted to the United States and thought to feed on leaf epidermis, and Panorpodes, occurring in East Asia with one species extending to California.

Etymology

From Panorpodes (type genus, from Greek pan- "all" + herpō "creep" + -odes "resembling") + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Brachypanorpa species in the eastern United States are unusual among mecopterans in being phytophagous rather than predatory or saprophagous, scraping soft leaf tissue with their abbreviated mouthparts.

Related Terms

• Panorpidae
• Mecoptera
• scorpionfly
• Brachypanorpa
• Panorpodes
• sister group

Usage Notes

The short mandibular condition is a key synapomorphy separating Panorpodidae from the more species-rich and widespread Panorpidae. The family's disjunct Holarctic distribution (East Asia plus western North America) and specialized phytophagy make it of interest for biogeographic and dietary studies within Mecoptera.