Winter Stonefly vs Riffle Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Winter Stonefly | Riffle Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Taeniopteryx burksi | Elmis aenea |
| Order | Plecoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Taeniopterygidae | Elmidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Winter Stonefly
A dark-colored stonefly that emerges during winter months when few other aquatic insects are active. Adults can be found walking on snow near streams.
Did You Know?
Winter stoneflies are among the very few insects that emerge as adults during the coldest months of the year.
Riffle Beetle
A tiny, dark beetle that spends its entire adult life underwater clinging to rocks in riffles. It breathes using a plastron, a permanent thin film of air.
Did You Know?
Its plastron air film never needs replenishing, allowing it to remain permanently submerged.