Scorpionflies
02 Jun 2025
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Scorpionflies
Latin: Mecoptera — Relevance to Fly Fishing:
Scorpionflies are insects with elongated bodies and beak-like mouths, some of which have a scorpion-like appearance due to their modified abdomens.
Where you can find Scorpionflies
On this map you see where there were observations of Scorpionflies around the world. This will give you an idea of the global distribution of this class. Note that a class can have many different families, and thousands of species.
Diversity and distribution
The insect class Mecoptera, commonly known as scorpionflies, hangingflies, and their relatives, is a small group of insects consisting of around 600 known species. These insects are characterized by their elongated bodies, membranous wings, and elongated, beak-like mouthparts. Mecoptera is divided into several families and genera, with some of the most well-known families being Panorpidae (common scorpionflies), Bittacidae (hangingflies), and Meropeidae (earwigflies), among others.
Mecoptera insects can be found in a wide range of countries across the globe, primarily in temperate regions. Their distribution extends across parts of North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Life cycles of Mecoptera
The life cycle of Mecoptera insects consists of three stages: egg, larva, and adult. The duration of each stage varies among species and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and food availability.
Female Mecoptera lay their eggs on or near their preferred food source, depending on the species. Upon hatching, the larvae feed and undergo several molts as they grow. Mecoptera larvae are typically terrestrial, and many species resemble caterpillars or beetle larvae in appearance. Once they reach their final larval stage, the larvae pupate and undergo metamorphosis to become an adult Mecoptera insect.
Mecoptera and Fly Fishing
While adult Mecoptera insects are not typically considered a primary food source for fish, certain Mecoptera larvae may occasionally be relevant to fly fishing, particularly for trout and other insectivorous fish. Explore, observe and see if you can match sizes and colors.
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