Eastern Salmonfly vs Tiny Winter Black Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Salmonfly Tiny Winter Black Stonefly
Scientific Name Pteronarcys biloba Capnia nigra
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Pteronarcyidae Capniidae
Size 30-40 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Eastern Salmonfly

A large dark stonefly of Appalachian streams that emerges in late spring. Nymphs process leaf litter and are important detritivores.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs retain functional gills throughout development, unlike many stoneflies that lose them with age.

Tiny Winter Black Stonefly

A tiny black stonefly that emerges in late winter across European streams. It is among the earliest insects to appear each year.

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Did You Know?

Females are often wingless or short-winged, relying on walking rather than flight to find mates.