Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Allies
Mecoptera
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Mecoptera
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mecoptera: //mɛˈkɒptərə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Mecoptera, or scorpionflies, are a diverse order of insects characterized by their elongated bodies and unique mating behaviors. With around 600 species described worldwide, they inhabit moist environments and play significant roles as scavengers and potential early insect pollinators.
Physical Characteristics
Small to medium-sized insects, typically ranging from 2 to 35 mm in length. They have long beaklike rostra and membranous wings, with long slender bodies. The fore and hind wings are similar in shape, being long and narrow with numerous cross-veins. The male's abdomen typically curves upwards, resembling a scorpion's tail, containing an enlarged structure called the genital bulb. Larvae are caterpillar-like with compound eyes, hard sclerotised heads, short true legs, and prolegs.
Identification Tips
Adult males have enlarged genitalia raised over their bodies resembling a scorpion's stinger. The cylindrical abdomen curves upwards in males, and males may also display elaborate courtship behavior involving gift presentation during mating.
Habitat
Mecopterans mostly inhabit moist environments, particularly broad-leaf woodlands with abundant leaf litter. Some species are adapted to semi-desert habitats. Breeding occurs in leaf litter, moss, and other moist locations.
Distribution
Mecoptera are distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity of species in the Afrotropic and Palearctic realms. More diverse at the family level in the Neotropic, Nearctic, and Australasian realms. Absent from Madagascar and many islands, indicating low dispersal ability.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on small insects, nectar, pollen, petals, and decaying animal matter. Some species of Bittacidae catch prey with their legs, while others feed on plant material. Larvae generally feed on vegetation or scavenge for dead insects.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs in moist environments; larvae typically resemble caterpillars and may go through four stages. Pupae are exarate and can enter diapause in unfavourable conditions. New adults emerge when conditions improve.
Reproduction
Males often present females with edible gifts (like dead insects) to attract them. Mating may involve the female consuming the gift while copulating. Males have enlarged salivary glands which play a role during mating, as females consume the saliva.
Ecosystem Role
Mecopterans mainly serve as scavengers and play a role in the decomposition of organic material. Some species are among the first insects to arrive at carrion, contributing to forensic studies.
Cultural Significance
Scorpionflies have occasionally been described in literature as looking sinister due to their scorpion-like appearance, but are harmless to humans.
Health Concerns
There is a popular misconception that scorpionflies can sting; however, they do not possess stingers.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults during flight
- Sampling leaf litter and decaying organic matter for larvae
- Using light traps to attract adults
Preservation Methods
- Freezing specimens
- Alcohol preservation for genetic studies
- Pinning adult specimens for entomological collections
Evolution
Mecoptera are evolutionary significant as they are closely related to orders like Siphonaptera (fleas) and Diptera (flies). They may have played a role in the evolution of those groups as evidenced by anatomical similarities.
Misconceptions
Popular beliefs suggest scorpionflies can sting due to their scorpion-like appearance, but they are harmless.
Tags
- Mecoptera
- Scorpionflies
- Hangingflies
- Insect Diversity
- Entomology