Chilean Giant Stonefly vs Snowborn Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chilean Giant Stonefly Snowborn Stonefly
Scientific Name Diamphipnoa helicoides Capnia atra
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Diamphipnoidae Capniidae
Size 25-40 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions South America (Chile) North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Chilean Giant Stonefly

An ancient, large stonefly endemic to Chilean mountain streams. It belongs to a relict family with Gondwanan origins.

💡

Did You Know?

Its family is considered a living fossil with only two known species, both restricted to Chile.

Snowborn Stonefly

A tiny black stonefly that emerges during the coldest months in northern North America. Adults are frequently observed walking on snow.

💡

Did You Know?

It is active at temperatures near freezing, when virtually all other insects are dormant.