Snowborn Stonefly vs Hooked Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snowborn Stonefly Hooked Stonefly
Scientific Name Capnia atra Agnetina capitata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Capniidae Perlidae
Size 4-7 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Hooked Stonefly

A large, patterned stonefly of eastern North American rivers with distinctive hooked anal gills. Nymphs are active nocturnal predators under cobbles.

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Did You Know?

Its nymphs are nocturnal, hiding under rocks by day and actively hunting at night.