Alpine Soldierfly vs Green Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Soldierfly Green Stonefly
Scientific Name Oxycera morrisii Alloperla caudata
Order Diptera Plecoptera
Family Stratiomyidae Chloroperlidae
Size 5-7 mm body length 8-12 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Soldierfly

A small, brightly patterned soldierfly found near mountain springs and seepages. Its larvae develop in calcareous spring water at high elevations.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae encrust themselves with calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich spring water.

Green Stonefly

A small bright green stonefly found along clean mountain streams in North America. Despite its small size, it is an important indicator of excellent water quality.

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Did You Know?

The presence of green stoneflies in a stream is considered strong evidence of pristine water quality by aquatic biologists.