Which family is associated with snowflies?

The family associated with snowflies is indeed Capniidae. Snowflies are primarily found in cold freshwater environments and are particularly noted for their presence during winter months when they emerge from streams. The Capniidae family, also known as the stoneflies, includes several genera that have adapted to colder climates and are often found in snowy areas.

Members of the Capniidae family exhibit specific adaptations that allow them to thrive in these environments, such as spending the early stages of their life cycle in cold waters where they can feed on organic debris and serve as an important part of the aquatic food web. Their phenology is closely tied to temperature and seasonal changes, making them a key indicator of freshwater ecosystem health, especially in cold regions.

In contrast, the other families listed—Perlidae, Pteronarcyidae, and Lestidae—represent different groups of aquatic insects that do not share the same ecological niche or seasonal associations as Capniidae snowflies, focusing instead on broader or different ecological adaptations and habitats.