Alpine Stonefly vs American Needlefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Stonefly | American Needlefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dictyogenus alpinum | Leuctra tenuis |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Perlodidae | Leuctridae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body length | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | Alps, Central European mountains | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Alpine Stonefly
A large, dark stonefly of cold alpine streams and rivers. Its nymphs are voracious predators of other aquatic invertebrates.
Did You Know?
Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed during their short lifespan.
American Needlefly
A delicate needle-thin stonefly of Appalachian headwater streams. Nymphs are important processors of autumn-shed leaf litter.
Did You Know?
Multiple Leuctra species can coexist in the same stream by emerging at different times of year.