Southern Stonefly vs Graceful Winter Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Stonefly Graceful Winter Stonefly
Scientific Name Aphanicerca capensis Capnia gracilaria
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Notonemouridae Capniidae
Size 6-10 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Southern Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Southern Stonefly

A small brown stonefly endemic to mountain streams of the Western Cape, South Africa. It belongs to a Southern Hemisphere family with Gondwanan origins.

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Did You Know?

Its family Notonemouridae is found only in the Southern Hemisphere, a legacy of the breakup of Gondwana.

Graceful Winter Stonefly

A minute stonefly of cold North American headwater streams emerging in winter. Females are often short-winged or wingless.

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Did You Know?

Females sacrifice flight ability for greater egg production by reducing or eliminating their wings.