Panorpa dubitans Carpenter, 1931
Diagnosis: This is one of five species of North American Panorpa that form part of the anomala group. This group can be defined by the following characteristics: Forewings with three bands, the pterostigmal band branched posteriorly, but usually interrupted medially so that the apical branch appears to be an isolated spot, and the basal band also usually interrupted medially; two humeral spots along the basal margin; and most crossveins darkly margined. Anal horn present on the male 6th abdominal tergite. Male hypovalves short, only about 2/3 the length of the basistyles. Ventral parameres curved, unbranched and joined at base, bearing two tufts of bristles at mid-length. Inner margin of basistyles with a small tooth at mid-length. Basal lobe of dististyles disc shaped with slight expansion of dorsal margin and small tuft of bristles along ventral margin. Panorpa dubitans can be separated from all other members of this group by the unbranched ventral parameres with two tufts of bristles at mid-length.
Distribution – Geographical: This species has a very localized distribution in the old Lake Michigan plain around Chicago.
Distribution – Temporal: Mid May to early September (Webb, et al, 1975).
Ecology: This species is found in secondary forests of elm and maple with an understory of poison ivy, raspberries and gooseberries at Thornton Forest Preserve on the south side of Chicago. The soil is heavy clay that gets water-logged easily.
Biology: Nothing is known of the immature stages or life history.
Notes: The name anomala means different from the usual, and may refer to the medial branch of the male ventral parameres that are quite distinct from others of the group.
References:
Carpenter, F.M. 1931. Revision of the Nearctic Mecoptera. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 72:205-277.
Webb, D.W., N.D. Penny, and J.C. Marlin. 1975. The Mecoptera, or Scorpion-flies, of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin, 31:251-316.
