Outdoors What’s this insect I found in the snow? By Jackie Davis Published: February 15, 2012 Updated: January 3, 2024 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel Photo by Ilana Kiri McGrath/Shutterstock I found this insect in the snow. What is it? —Julia Roy It’s either a Winter Stonefly (family name “Taeniopterygidae”) or a Small Winter Stonefly (family name “Capniidae”); it’s hard to know which one for sure based on the photo alone. You’ll see the adults in winter and spring, when there is still snow on the ground, usually near streams and the lower parts of river systems. Stoneflies are a good sign—researchers say they indicate healthy water. Related Story 11 Ontario insects that are beneficial to your garden Related Story How a warm winter can affect insects