American Needlefly vs Golden Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Needlefly | Golden Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leuctra tenuis | Calineuria californica |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Leuctridae | Perlidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 25-35 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Golden Stonefly
A large predatory stonefly with a golden-brown body found in western North American rivers. Its nymphs are active hunters on the streambed.
Did You Know?
Golden stonefly nymphs are apex predators of the streambed, hunting mayfly and caddisfly larvae among the cobbles.