MECOPTEKA. 



I8 5 



The most common members of this family are the 

 Scorpion-flies, Panorpa (Pa-nor'pa). These are called Scor- 

 pion-flies on account of the peculiar form of the caudal part 

 of the abdomen of the male (Fig 223). This at first sight 

 suggests the corresponding part of a scorpion ; 

 but in reality the two are very different. The 

 last segment, instead of ending in a sting like 

 that of a scorpion, is greatly enlarged and bears 

 a pair of clasping organs. The wings are nar- 

 row but are well developed, being longer than 

 the body. In our more common species they are 

 yellowish, spotted with brownish black (Fig. 224). 



Very closely allied to the Scorpion-flies are the insects of 

 the genus Bittacus (Bit'ta-cus). These insects have long 

 narrow wings, long legs, and a slender abdomen. They re- 

 semble crane-flies very closely when on the wing. In this 

 genus the caudal appendages of the male are not enlarged as 

 in Panorpa. 



The species of the genus Boreus (Bo're-us) are remarka- 

 ble for occurring on snow, in the winter, in our Northern 

 States. 



Fig. 224. — Pa- 

 norpa, adult. 



