North American Snow Scorpionfly vs Snow Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute North American Snow Scorpionfly Snow Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Boreus californicus Boreus hyemalis
Order Mecoptera Mecoptera
Family Boreidae Boreidae
Size 3-5 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

North American Snow Scorpionfly

A small dark wingless scorpionfly found in mountainous regions of western North America. It is active during winter months on moss-covered substrates.

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Did You Know?

These insects produce antifreeze compounds in their hemolymph that allow them to remain active at subzero temperatures.

Snow Scorpionfly

A tiny wingless scorpionfly active in winter, walking on snow near mossy habitats. Its vestigial wings are reduced to hook-like structures used during mating.

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Did You Know?

Snow scorpionflies are most active at temperatures near freezing and can sometimes be found by the hundreds walking across snow-covered moss.