Sweltsa Green Stonefly vs Tiny Winter Black Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweltsa Green Stonefly Tiny Winter Black Stonefly
Scientific Name Sweltsa borealis Capnia nigra
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Chloroperlidae Capniidae
Size 6-9 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sweltsa Green Stonefly

A small northern green stonefly found in cold boreal and montane streams. Nymphs prey on early-instar chironomids and other tiny larvae.

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Did You Know?

This species is one of the most cold-adapted stoneflies and can be active in near-freezing water.

Tiny Winter Black Stonefly

A tiny black stonefly that emerges in late winter across European streams. It is among the earliest insects to appear each year.

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Did You Know?

Females are often wingless or short-winged, relying on walking rather than flight to find mates.