Graceful Winter Stonefly vs Mountain Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Graceful Winter Stonefly Mountain Stonefly
Scientific Name Capnia gracilaria Protonemura montana
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Capniidae Nemouridae
Size 4-6 mm 6-10 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Alps, British mountains
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.

Mountain Stonefly

A small brown stonefly common along mountain brooks and streams. Nymphs feed on fallen leaves in cold, well-oxygenated water.

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Did You Know?

Its presence is an indicator of excellent water quality in mountain streams.