Panorpa germanica

Description

Very similar to Panorpa communis but the wings are often more lightly spotted and spots may even be absent altogether in this species. There are three Panorpa species in Britain and all require close examination with a microscope or good hand lens to distinguish them. In males this involves looking at the ventral surface of the genital capsule and in females the ovipositor.

Similar Species

Identified from P. communis by the shape of the thickened parallel hypovalves on male genital capsule, which are calliper shaped in P. communis.

Identification difficulty

males with good dorsal image of genital capsule, females

Recording advice

Females need to be examined with a microscope. Males can be identified from a good view of the hypovalves on the genital capsule.

Habitat

Hedgerows and shady areas with lush vegetation.

When to see it

Peak time is May to August.

Life History

Larvae are caterpillar like.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Lacewings & Scorpionflies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Mecoptera
Family:
Panorpidae
Records on NatureSpot:
42
First record:
16/06/2010 (Gould, David)
Last record:
01/09/2024 (Hunt, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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