PlecopteraCapniidae – Small Winter Stoneflies

Capnia promota

This record describes Capnia promota (species). Recorded family: Capniidae. Recorded order: Plecoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Capnia promota - Capnia promota
Contributed by Brady Richards

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Plecoptera (Stoneflies)
Superfamily
Nemouroidea
Family
Capniidae (Small Winter Stoneflies)
Genus
Capnia

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

About Stoneflies: the wider group

Order-level background for Plecoptera, the group containing Capnia promota. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Plecoptera (stoneflies) includes ~3,700 described species. Stonefly nymphs are among the most pollution-sensitive aquatic insects - they require cold, clean, well-oxygenated running water to survive.

Ecological role of the group

Stonefly nymphs are important shredders of leaf litter in streams, breaking down organic material and making nutrients available to other organisms. Adults are a key food source for trout and are widely imitated in fly fishing.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Stoneflies are considered the gold standard bioindicator for water quality monitoring worldwide. Their absence from a stream is one of the strongest signals of pollution or environmental degradation.

Recorded sources for this group: EPA, freshwater ecology research, fly fishing industry. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Plecoptera families and species →

Photos of Capnia promota (4)

Capnia promota - photo 1
Contributed by Brady Richards
Capnia promota - photo 2
Contributed by Brady Richards
Capnia promota - photo 3
Contributed by Brady Richards
Capnia promota - photo 4
Contributed by Brady Richards

Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.