Snow Fly vs Winter Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snow Fly Winter Stonefly
Scientific Name Chionea araneoides Taeniopteryx burksi
Order Diptera Plecoptera
Family Limoniidae Taeniopterygidae
Size 5-8 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Snow Fly

A wingless crane fly that walks on snow surfaces in winter to find mates.

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Did You Know?

Its antifreeze proteins allow activity at temperatures well below freezing.

Winter Stonefly

A dark-colored stonefly that emerges during winter months when few other aquatic insects are active. Adults can be found walking on snow near streams.

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Did You Know?

Winter stoneflies are among the very few insects that emerge as adults during the coldest months of the year.