Appalachian Springfly vs Needle Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Appalachian Springfly Needle Stonefly
Scientific Name Remenus bilobatus Leuctra fusca
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlodidae Leuctridae
Size 8-12 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Appalachian Springfly

A rare springfly restricted to a few clean Appalachian headwater streams. Nymphs are predatory on small invertebrates among gravel substrates.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely limited range makes it one of the rarest stonefly species in North America.

Needle Stonefly

A small slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, giving it a needle-like appearance. Common in small streams across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Needle stoneflies are among the most pollution-sensitive aquatic insects and disappear quickly from streams affected by acid rain.