Northern Snow Scorpionfly vs Common Scorpionfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Snow Scorpionfly | Common Scorpionfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boreus westwoodi | Panorpa communis |
| Order | Mecoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Boreidae | Panorpidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 9-15 mm body |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Common Scorpionfly
Males have a bulbous upturned abdomen tip that resembles a scorpion stinger but is actually their genitalia and is completely harmless. Males offer nuptial gifts of saliva or dead insects.
Did You Know?
Male scorpionflies bring wedding presents — they offer females gifts of dead insects or secreted saliva droplets. Males with better gifts get longer mating opportunities.