Aspinose Campodeid vs Northern Snow Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aspinose Campodeid Northern Snow Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Metriocampa aspinosa Boreus westwoodi
Order Diplura Mecoptera
Family Campodeidae Boreidae
Size 3-5 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aspinose Campodeid

A soil-dwelling dipluran lacking the typical dorsal spines found in related species. It inhabits deep soil layers in temperate forests.

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Did You Know?

Its lack of dorsal spines distinguishes it from nearly all related species.

Northern Snow Scorpionfly

A small, dark, flightless scorpionfly that appears on snow in late autumn and early winter. It is glossy black-brown with elongated mouthparts for feeding on mosses. Females have a prominent pointed ovipositor.

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Did You Know?

Despite being wingless, this insect can jump short distances using its powerful hind legs to move quickly across snow.