Snowborn Stonefly vs Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snowborn Stonefly Mother of Pearl Caddisfly
Scientific Name Capnia atra Mystacides azurea
Order Plecoptera Trichoptera
Family Capniidae Leptoceridae
Size 4-7 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia
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.

Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

A small iridescent caddisfly with long antennae and pearly blue-green wings. It swarms in large mating flights over lakes and slow rivers.

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Did You Know?

The iridescent wing scales of this caddisfly create a shimmering blue-green appearance unique among the Trichoptera.