MECOPTERA. 
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 Fig 224 . __/>*. 
yellowish, spotted with brownish black (Fig. 224). nor P a * adult - 
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 Borens (Bo're-us) are remarka¬ 
ble for occurring on snow, in the winter, in our Northern 
States. 
