KINGDOM: Animalia | PHYLUM: Arthropoda | CLASS: Insecta | ORDER: Mecoptera (Scorpionflies & Hangingflies)

Like all insects, scorpionflies and hangingflies have 3 body parts, 1 pair of antennae, and 6 legs.

Scorpionfly and hangingfly larvae resemble moth caterpillars.  They are rarely seen, but they are common in Kentucky.

Scorpionflies and hangingflies have complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.  Adult female scorpionflies lay small masses of eggs in soil.  When they hatch, larval scorpionflies live and grow near the soil-layer before pupating in underground cells.  Pupae are the overwintering stage.  Adults emerge and mate in summer.  Hangingflies have a similar life-cycle, but females lay their eggs in moss.

There are several species of scorpionflies in Kentucky, and their biology is not well known.  Adult scorpionflies of most species are believed to feed on dead insects, nectar, rotting fruits, and other organic matter.  Some scorpionflies may be predatory on live prey, especially wounded or slow-moving insects.  Scorpionflies are found in meadows, especially near the forest-edge.  As with the adults, the habits of larval scorpionflies are not well-known.  Many species are believed to be scavengers and opportunists, feeding on dead insects and decaying organic material.  

Hangingflies are predators that feed on caterpillars, mosquitoes, flies, moths, and other flying insects.  As their name suggests, hangingflies hang and wait in ambush for prey.  They use their long, clawed legs to capture insects that get too close.  Hangingflies hunt in grassy areas, meadows, and along sheltered cliff-lines.  Larval hangingflies are believed to be predators.

Scorpionflies are not pests and they do not bite or sting.

SCORPIONFLIES
FAMILY: Panorpidae | GENUS: Panorpa
The only "true" Scorpionflies in Kentucky belong to the family Panorpidae and the genus Panorpa.  There are several species in this genus, but they are all similar in size and shape with bold orange-and-black patterns.  Kentucky scorpionflies are typically about 1/4"-1/2" long.  They are very common in early summer in weedy areas near the forest edge. 

HANGINGFLIES
FAMILY: Bittacidae | GENERA: Bittacus and Hylobittacus
Hangingflies are common in Kentucky but they are rarely noticed, probably because they look similar to common crane flies.  They can be distinguished from crane flies by the number of wings: crane flies have 2, hangingflies have 4.  Kentucky hangingflies are typically a little less than 1" long.  Most hangingflies found in Kentucky (like the one pictured below) belong to the genus Bittacus.  Hangingflies in the genus Hylobittacus are similar but do not fold their wings over their abdomens when resting.

In early summer, scorpionfly adults are abundant and easy to find in Kentucky.  Look in weedy habitats near the edges of forests.  Scorpionflies are not fast flyers, so they are usually easy to capture with an insect net.  However, a scorpionfly will not always remain still if you are approaching with a camera.  Instead, it will often fly a few feet away and continue this pattern as you try to get close enough for a good picture.

Hangingflies are difficult to find consistently.  Search for them in summer with a sweep net in weedy habitats, or look for them hanging under leaves or rocky overhangs.  If you find one hanging, it will likely remain still for a photograph if it is not touched or disturbed.

Snow Scorpionflies belong to the family Boreidae.  They resemble "true" scorpionflies (family Panorpidae) but they are wingless.  Snow scorpionflies live at high altitudes and are sometimes seen moving on the snow in large numbers in early spring when snow is still on the ground.  They are not common in Kentucky.  Read more about them here at Bugguide.net.

Many people believe that male scorpionflies can sting with their scorpion-like tail, but the structure is used only for reproduction.  Scorpionflies will not bite or sting.