Appalachian Springfly vs Small Milkweed Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Appalachian Springfly Small Milkweed Bug
Scientific Name Remenus bilobatus Lygaeus kalmii
Order Plecoptera Hemiptera
Family Perlodidae Lygaeidae
Size 8-12 mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America North America
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Small Milkweed Bug

A boldly patterned red-and-black seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides. Its warning coloration advertises its chemical defense to predators.

💡

Did You Know?

It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.