Snowborn Stonefly vs Little Tan Short-Horn Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snowborn Stonefly Little Tan Short-Horn Sedge
Scientific Name Capnia atra Glossosoma nigrior
Order Plecoptera Trichoptera
Family Capniidae Glossosomatidae
Size 4-7 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
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.

💡

Did You Know?

It is active at temperatures near freezing, when virtually all other insects are dormant.

Little Tan Short-Horn Sedge

A small, abundant caddisfly of eastern North American streams. Larvae build tortoise-shell-shaped cases of fine gravel and are important grazers.

💡

Did You Know?

Grazing by dense populations can visibly reduce algal cover on stream rocks.