Alpine Stonefly vs Small Brown Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Stonefly | Small Brown Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dictyogenus alpinum | Nemoura cinerea |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Perlodidae | Nemouridae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body length | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Alps, Central European mountains | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Small Brown Stonefly
A very common small brown stonefly found in a wide range of freshwater habitats across Europe. It is one of the most tolerant stoneflies to mild pollution.
Did You Know?
Unlike most stonefly species that require pristine water, this species can tolerate mildly enriched conditions, making it one of the last stoneflies found in degraded streams.