Green Stonefly vs Winter Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Stonefly Winter Crane Fly
Scientific Name Alloperla caudata Trichocera annulata
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Chloroperlidae Trichoceridae
Size 8-12 mm 5-10 mm
Habitat Mountains Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Stonefly

A small bright green stonefly found along clean mountain streams in North America. Despite its small size, it is an important indicator of excellent water quality.

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Did You Know?

The presence of green stoneflies in a stream is considered strong evidence of pristine water quality by aquatic biologists.

Winter Crane Fly

A cold-adapted crane fly that forms mating swarms in winter even in freezing weather.

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Did You Know?

It can be seen dancing in aerial swarms on sunny winter days near buildings.