Boreidae Stephens 1829
Only two of the 15 North American Boreus species occur in Ontario, and they are easily distinguished from one another on the basis of color, as illustrated here. Adults emerge late in the year, and are active on mild winter days when they are often seen on or near the moss in which they develop. As the common name “snow scorpionflies” suggests, they are often seen on the snow surface. Boreids are easily identified by their minute size, rudimentary wings, and females with an ovipositor.

Boreus brumalis Fitch 1847
Diagnosis: Body color dark brown to black, metallic, often with a green highlight.  Apex of ninth sternum deeply notched.

B. brumalis is more commonly collected than B. nivoriundus. Records indicate that they are active from November to February.