Panorpa dissimilis Carpenter, 1931
Diagnosis: This is one of four species that form a species group with a single basal dark spot along the costal margin of the forewing; hypovalves relatively broad and at most as long as the basistyles; and long ventral parameres that are unbranched, untufted, but have long setae along the inner surface along the entire length. Panorpa dissimilis can be separated from the other three species by the short hypovalves that only extend about 2/3 the length of the basistyles, ventral parameres that are straight, and especially by the indentation of the basal lobe of the dististyles that extends all the way to the base of the dististyles..
Distribution – Geographical: This species is found only in a relatively small area along the east coast of New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Distribution – Temporal: 29 May to 3 August (Carpenter, 1931).
Ecology: Nothing has been reported about the habitat requirements of this species.
Biology: Nothing is known of immature stages or life history.
Notes: In the original description, Carpenter (1931) reported tufts of bristles at the base of the ventral parameres. These must have been clumped by some sticky substance on the genital bulb because the specimens before me have a uniform series of bristles along the entire length of the ventral parameres.
References:
Carpenter, F.M. 1931. Revision of the Nearctic Mecoptera. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 72:205-277.
