Australian Scorpionfly vs Northern Snow Scorpionfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Scorpionfly | Northern Snow Scorpionfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Harpobittacus australis | Boreus westwoodi |
| Order | Mecoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Bittacidae | Boreidae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Scorpionfly
An Australian hangingfly that suspends itself from vegetation and catches prey with its raptorial hind legs. Males present captured prey to females as nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Female Australian scorpionflies assess nuptial gifts by tasting the prey — if it is nutritionally poor, they reject the male and fly away.
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.
Did You Know?
Despite being wingless, this insect can jump short distances using its powerful hind legs to move quickly across snow.