American Needlefly vs Large Spring Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Needlefly | Large Spring Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leuctra tenuis | Dinocras cephalotes |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Leuctridae | Perlidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 20-35 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Large Spring Stonefly
One of the largest European stoneflies with a distinctively broad, flattened head. Nymphs are apex invertebrate predators in upland streams.
Did You Know?
Despite their large wings, adults are poor fliers and prefer to run along streamside rocks.