Paracapnia opis
(Newman, 1839)
Northeastern Snowfly
Paracapnia opis, the northeastern snowfly, is a in the Capniidae. It was the first described in the Paracapnia, established by Edward Newman in 1839. The species is found in North America, with records from the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. It is synonymous with Paracapnia curvata, described by Hanson in 1946.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paracapnia opis: //ˌpærəˈkæpniə ˈoʊpɪs//
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Identification
As a member of the Capniidae, this can be recognized by the typical characteristics: small body size, reduced or absent wings in some individuals, and association with cold-water . Specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from other Paracapnia species are not documented in available sources.
Distribution
Recorded from Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota in the United States, and Labrador in Canada. The occurs in North America, with a distribution centered in the northeastern region and extending into the upper Midwest.
Similar Taxa
- Other Paracapnia speciesMembers of the same share the general and ecological characteristics of small winter stoneflies; specific distinguishing features for P. opis are not documented in available sources.
- Other Capniidae (small winter stoneflies) members share reduced wing development and cold-water associations; identification to level requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological characters.
More Details
Nomenclatural history
This holds historical significance as the type species of the Paracapnia, being the first described member of the genus. The synonymy with Paracapnia curvata (Hanson, 1946) indicates that two names were applied to what is now recognized as a single species.