Panorpa insolens Carpenter, 1935
Diagnosis: This is part of the helena species group with three complete bands across the wings; males with an anal horn on the 6th abdominal tergite; and a basal lobe to the dististyles shaped like a flat disc. Males of Panorpa insolens can be separated from the other two species by the lack of spines at the apico-mesal corner of the basistyles and arched, smooth ventral parameres.
Distribution – Geographical: This species is known only from the area of north-central Kentucky northward to southern Ohio.
Distribution – Temporal: 30 May.
Ecology: This species is “collected on stinging nettle along shaded streams in northern Kentucky” (Webb, et al, 1975).
Biology: Nothing is known of the immature stages and life history.
Notes: Byers (1973) regards the type ♀ to have an abnormal wing pattern. The more typical specimens have three straight bands across the wings, much like Panorpa helena. He also concludes that the type genital plate is also only partially represented in the original drawing (Carpenter, 1935). The ♂ genitalia are depicted in Byers (1973).
References:
Byers, G.W. 1973b. Descriptions and distributional records of American Mecoptera. III. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 46:362-375.
Carpenter, F.M. 1935. New Nearctic Mecoptera, with Notes on other Species. Psyche. 42:105-122.
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.
