Alpine Stonefly vs Embossed Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Stonefly Embossed Stonefly
Scientific Name Dictyogenus alpinum Paragnetina immarginata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlodidae Perlidae
Size 15-25 mm body length 18-25 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
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.

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Did You Know?

Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed during their short lifespan.

Embossed Stonefly

A large patterned stonefly of clean eastern streams with raised body markings. Nymphs are top predators among stream cobble invertebrate communities.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs moult up to 30 times before reaching adulthood, far more than most aquatic insects.