Boreus hyemalis (Linneaus, 1767)

Distribution

British and Irish distribution of Boreus hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1767) based on records held by the National Biodiversity Network.

Found throughout England, Wales and Scotland although absent from Ireland, Boreus hyemalis (Linneaus, 1767), also known as the Snow Flea, is most active during the winter months, from October to April. The adult is flightless and lacks the characteristic “whip tail” of the other species of British and Irish Mecoptera.

References and further information:

• A Key to the Adults of British Lacewings and their Allies. Plant, C. W. (1997)
• Insects of Britain and Western Europe. Chinery, M. (2007)
• Buglife – http://www.buglife.org.uk/discoverbugs/bugofthemonth/snowflea.htm

Distribution data supplied by:

• Biological Records Centre
• Countryside Council for Wales
• Tullie House Museum
• Natural England
• Highland Biological Recording Group
• National Trust for Scotland (staff)