Micrasema gelidum McLachlan 1876

M. gelidum, is a circumboreal species. In the nearctic zone, from Alaska east to the North West Territories, with its range extending south into the prairie provinces. Also can be found in northern Quebec (Schmid, 1983).

A relatively variable species. Colouration of the adult bodies ranges from purplish-black with clear golden hairs, to rust-brown bodies, with similarily coloured hairs. Forewings can vary from grey with golden hairs, to black-brown, with similarily coloured hairs. The cercus in the males, is uniform in width and tapers to a rounded tip in the distal third. Base of the clasper is robust and has a rounded dorsal process (Schmid, 1983).

Small clear streams and sometimes found in ponds in the tundra.

Larvae feed on mosses.