Small-headed Stonefly vs Snowborn Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small-headed Stonefly | Snowborn Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perlodes microcephala | Capnia atra |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Perlodidae | Capniidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm body | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small-headed Stonefly
A large spring-emerging stonefly found in clean upland rivers. Nymphs are predatory, feeding on mayfly and midge larvae. An important bioindicator species.
Did You Know?
Nymphs require the cleanest, most oxygen-rich water of any stonefly, making them sensitive pollution indicators.
Snowborn Stonefly
A tiny black stonefly that emerges during the coldest months in northern North America. Adults are frequently observed walking on snow.
Did You Know?
It is active at temperatures near freezing, when virtually all other insects are dormant.