Snailcase Bagworm vs Northern Snow Scorpionfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snailcase Bagworm | Northern Snow Scorpionfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apterona helicoidella | Boreus westwoodi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Psychidae | Boreidae |
| Size | Case about 5-6 mm; male wingspan 10 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia Minor, introduced to North America | Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Snailcase Bagworm
A tiny bagworm moth whose larva builds a coiled, snail-shell-shaped case from silk and sand grains. It reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis in most of its range.
Did You Know?
Males are almost never found; most populations consist entirely of females reproducing without mating.
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.