Small Brown Stonefly vs Tiny Winter Black Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Brown Stonefly Tiny Winter Black Stonefly
Scientific Name Nemoura cinerea Capnia nigra
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Nemouridae Capniidae
Size 6-10 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Northern Asia
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.

Tiny Winter Black Stonefly

A tiny black stonefly that emerges in late winter across European streams. It is among the earliest insects to appear each year.

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Did You Know?

Females are often wingless or short-winged, relying on walking rather than flight to find mates.