Snow Scorpionfly vs Short-Faced Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Snow Scorpionfly	Short-Faced Scorpionfly
Scientific Name	Boreus hyemalis	Panorpodes paradoxus
Order	Mecoptera	Mecoptera
Family	Boreidae	Panorpodidae
Size	3-5 mm	10-14 mm
Habitat	Forests	Forests
Diet	Omnivores	Pollen Feeders
Regions	Europe	Asia
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Snow Scorpionfly

A tiny wingless scorpionfly active in winter, walking on snow near mossy habitats. Its vestigial wings are reduced to hook-like structures used during mating.

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Did You Know?

Snow scorpionflies are most active at temperatures near freezing and can sometimes be found by the hundreds walking across snow-covered moss.

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.