Abstract
Three closely related species of the Panorpa banksiana species group, P. dissimilis Carpenter, P. gracilis Carpenter, and P. palustris Byers are distinguishable by differences in the male genitalia and distribution. Panorpa debilis Westwood is shown to consist of five forms, differing in characteristics of the aedeagal hamulus, ventral parameres, and distributions. The exact identity of P. debilis and P. canadensis Banks is determined from the study of the type or recently collected examples from near the type locality. Because the ventral parameres of P. nebulosa Westwood and P. flexa Carpenter are often curved and crossed apically in both species, leading to misidentifications, a characteristic of the dististyles is shown to distinguish the two. The presence of P. confusa Westwood is confirmed in Virginia, and the appearance of its ventral parameres is discussed. Panorpa longicornis Carpenter, P. subfurcata Westwood, and P. subulifera Byers are transferred to the P. virginica group, and differences between them are discussed and figured, and their ranges in the state are outlined. The identity of P. insolens Carpenter is established, and it is redescribed and distinguished from its close relatives P. helena Byers and an unnamed species in Kentucky. The species is recorded from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.