Douglas-fir Timema vs Northern Snow Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Douglas-fir Timema Northern Snow Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Timema douglasi Boreus westwoodi
Order Phasmatodea Mecoptera
Family Timematidae Boreidae
Size 1.5-2 cm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions United States (Oregon), United States (Northern California) Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Douglas-fir Timema

A parthenogenetic timema that feeds on old-growth Douglas fir. All-female populations can occasionally cause noticeable defoliation.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely without males and can reach outbreak densities that defoliate old-growth Douglas fir trees.

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.