Short-Faced Scorpionfly vs Northern Snow Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Short-Faced Scorpionfly Northern Snow Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Panorpodes paradoxus Boreus westwoodi
Order Mecoptera Mecoptera
Family Panorpodidae Boreidae
Size 10-14 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Omnivores
Regions Asia Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Short-Faced Scorpionfly

An unusual scorpionfly with a shorter rostrum than typical Panorpa species, found in East Asian forests. It feeds primarily on nectar and pollen.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most scorpionflies that scavenge dead insects, this species has evolved a shortened face for feeding primarily on flower nectar.

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.