Northern Snow Scorpionfly vs Elephant Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Snow Scorpionfly | Elephant Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boreus westwoodi | Toxorhynchites rutilus |
| Order | Mecoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Boreidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia | Eastern North America |
| 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.
Elephant Mosquito
A large, iridescent blue-green mosquito whose adults do not bite. Larvae are predators of other mosquito larvae in tree holes.
Did You Know?
It is studied as a biological control agent because its larvae devour disease-carrying mosquito larvae.