Graceful Winter Stonefly vs Large Alpine Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Graceful Winter Stonefly Large Alpine Stonefly
Scientific Name Capnia gracilaria Perla grandis
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Capniidae Perlidae
Size 4-6 mm 20-33 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe, Alps, Pyrenees
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Graceful Winter Stonefly

A minute stonefly of cold North American headwater streams emerging in winter. Females are often short-winged or wingless.

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Did You Know?

Females sacrifice flight ability for greater egg production by reducing or eliminating their wings.

Large Alpine Stonefly

One of the largest European stoneflies, found in clean mountain rivers. Its nymphs take several years to develop in cold water.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs may take up to four years to complete development in cold alpine waters.