Bryophyte-feeder
Guides
Boreus insulanus
Island Snow Scorpionfly
Boreus insulanus is a species of snow scorpionfly endemic to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It belongs to the family Boreidae, a group of small, cold-adapted insects active during winter months. Like other snow scorpionflies, it lacks functional wings and is among the rarest insects encountered in its region. The species was described by Blades in 2002.
Boreus reductus
Snow scorpionfly
Boreus reductus is a wingless species of snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, order Mecoptera. Adults are active during winter months and can be observed hopping across snow and ice. Unlike many Mecoptera, this species lacks functional wings entirely. Adults and larvae feed on mosses and liverworts. Males possess enlarged, upward-curving genitalia that resemble a scorpion's stinger, giving the group its common name. The species engages in a distinctive mating behavior where males carry females on their backs.
Caurinus dectes
snow scorpionfly
Caurinus dectes is a species of snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, endemic to western North America. It is one of only two species in the genus Caurinus, distinguished by its extremely small size (approximately 2 mm), reduced wings, and flea-like appearance. The species is univoltine, with a life cycle adapted to cool, moist coastal forest environments where it feeds on leafy liverworts.