Tiny Winter Black Stonefly vs Claassenia Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tiny Winter Black Stonefly Claassenia Stonefly
Scientific Name Capnia nigra Claassenia sabulosa
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Capniidae Perlidae
Size 4-8 mm 25-40 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Claassenia Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly with a mottled yellow and brown pattern. The nymphs are active nocturnal hunters that roam the stream bed seeking prey.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs often crawl out of the water at night to hunt, making them vulnerable to bats and spiders.