Snowborn Stonefly vs Hop-Garden Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snowborn Stonefly Hop-Garden Earwig
Scientific Name Capnia atra Forficula lesnei
Order Plecoptera Dermaptera
Family Capniidae Forficulidae
Size 4-7 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Gardens
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe
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.

Hop-Garden Earwig

A small earwig closely related to the European earwig but distinguished by its shorter wing cases. It is found in southern European gardens and orchards.

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Did You Know?

This species was long confused with the European earwig and was only recognized as distinct in the early twentieth century.