Panorpa gracilis Carpenter, 1931
Diagnosis: This species is a part of the dissimilis group characterized by one basal spot along the costal margin of the forewing; hypovalves that do not reach to the apex of the basistyles; and ventral parameres that are long and unbranched. Panorpa gracilis can be distinguished from other members of the group by the sigmoidally curved ventral parameres that bend at nearly a right angle and cross near the base of the dististyles.
Distribution – Geographical: This species is only known from Virginia and North Carolina (Byers, 1993).
Distribution – Temporal: 26 April to 8 October.
Ecology: Byers (1993) found this species near a clear flowing stream shaded by oaks, hickory, sycamore, red gum, and bald cypress. The adults were resting on an understory vegetation of poison ivy, greenbriar, Carex, and spiderworts (Tradescantia).
Biology: There appears to be both a spring and fall emergence of adults. Nothing is known of immature stages.
Notes: The long, thick, sharply bent ventral parameres are characteristic of this species.
References:
Byers, G.W.. 1993. Autumnal Mecoptera of southeastern United States. University of Kansas Science Bulletin, 55(2):57-96.
Carpenter, F.M. 1931. Revision of the Nearctic Mecoptera. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 72:205-277.
