Small Brown Stonefly vs Snowborn Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Brown Stonefly Snowborn Stonefly
Scientific Name Nemoura cinerea Capnia atra
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Nemouridae Capniidae
Size 6-10 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Brown Stonefly

A very common small brown stonefly found in a wide range of freshwater habitats across Europe. It is one of the most tolerant stoneflies to mild pollution.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most stonefly species that require pristine water, this species can tolerate mildly enriched conditions, making it one of the last stoneflies found in degraded streams.

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.