Needlefly vs Snowborn Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Needlefly Snowborn Stonefly
Scientific Name Leuctra inermis Capnia atra
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Leuctridae Capniidae
Size 6-9 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Needlefly

A slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, resembling a needle. Nymphs shred leaf litter in small streams.

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Did You Know?

The tightly rolled wings make the adult appear to have no wings at all when viewed from above.

Snowborn Stonefly

A tiny black stonefly that emerges during the coldest months in northern North America. Adults are frequently observed walking on snow.

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Did You Know?

It is active at temperatures near freezing, when virtually all other insects are dormant.