Graceful Winter Stonefly vs Long-legged Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Graceful Winter Stonefly Long-legged Fly
Scientific Name Capnia gracilaria Dolichopus ungulatus
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Capniidae Dolichopodidae
Size 4-6 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia
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.

Long-legged Fly

A small, slender fly with a brilliant metallic green body and long, thin legs. Males have modified leg structures used in elaborate courtship displays performed on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Male long-legged flies perform an elaborate wing-waving courtship dance on sunlit leaves, displaying silvery wing patches to watching females like tiny semaphore signals.