Scorpionfly

Scorpionflies, Panorpa nuptialis (Gerst) feeding on Wheel Bug

With a distinctive wing coloration, and an even more distinctive elongated abdomen on the males, the Scorpionfly is a very unusual insect. In addition to an elongated abdomen, the mouthparts are on the end of an elongated snout. The adults of this species feeds mainly on dead insects and animal matter, such as a dead Wheel Bug, but may be predaceous. Most species have four wings, but there are some from the Boreidae family that have no wings. They are common in marshy areas, especially in autumn for Texas. This insect is harmless as the "stinger" is used for mating purposes and cannot be used for defense.