Panorpa pachymera Byers, 1993
Diagnosis: This species belongs to the rufescens species group with only a single marginal spot along the costal margin at the base of the forewing; darkened crossveins in the apical half of the forewing; male hypovalves relatively long and thin, reaching to the end of the basistyles; basal lobe of the dististyles truncate apically and bearing a row of small, stout spines along the dorsal margin. This species belongs to the subgroup of species with long, stout spines at the apico-mesal margin of the basistyles and short ventral parameres bearing a basistylar strut laterally and row of lateral spines on apical half. There is a flat flange on the medial margin of the basistyle that is quadrate in this species. Females have black, inwardly-directed setae on the dorsal edges of the subgenital plate.
Distribution – Geographical: This species is found in the northern half of Georgia and the northwestern corner of South Carolina.
Distribution – Temporal: 10 to 29 May and 31 August to 27 September.
Ecology: This species can be found on poison ivy and honeysuckle at the edge of woods consisting of red gum and occasional pines.
Biology: Nothing is known of immature stages or life history.
Notes: Panorpa pachymera, along with P. confinis and P. rupeculana form a very closely related group of species from Alabama and northern Georgia that are very difficult to separate, except by geographical distribution.
References:
Byers, G.W. 1993. Autumnal Mecoptera of southeastern United States. University of Kansas Science Bulletin, 55(2):57-96.
