Northern Snow Scorpionfly vs Parasipyloidea Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Snow Scorpionfly Parasipyloidea Stick Insect
Scientific Name Boreus westwoodi Parasipyloidea sipylus
Order Mecoptera Phasmatodea
Family Boreidae Lonchodidae
Size 3-4 mm 6-9 cm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia Indonesia, Malaysia
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.

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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.

Parasipyloidea Stick Insect

A slender winged stick insect closely related to Sipyloidea. It has translucent wings with faintly pink or yellowish tints.

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Did You Know?

It was originally classified in Sipyloidea before being recognized as a distinct genus based on morphological differences.