Common European scorpionfly
Its wingtips carry such heavy dark markings that they nearly merge into one continuous band, unlike the more lightly spotted wings of its close relative Panorpa germanica.
| Where | Gardens, hedgerows, nettle beds |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 to 15 mm long |
| When | April to September |
This scorpionfly looks much like its close relatives, with a yellow-brown body and a long downturned beak, but its wingtips carry heavier black markings that merge into a near-continuous dark band.
It scavenges dead insects and other soft matter from low vegetation, and the male's upturned abdomen tip resembles a scorpion's sting but is harmless.
Traits
Habitat
Garden
Colour
Yellow, Brown, Black
Active
Day
To people
Harmless despite its scorpion-like tail tip
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Panorpa germanica has more lightly marked, often barely spotted wings, unlike the heavier dark wingtip markings of Panorpa communis.
Questions
Is the Common European scorpionfly dangerous to people?
Harmless despite its scorpion-like tail tip.
When can you see the Common European scorpionfly?
The Common European scorpionfly can be seen from April to September, by day.
Plate retouched from a photo by E. A., CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons Licence
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Scorpionflies›Common scorpionflies›Panorpa
Last updated 2026-09-26. Every entry is checked against published sources.