Cascades Stonefly vs New Zealand Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cascades Stonefly New Zealand Stonefly
Scientific Name Doroneuria theodora Zelandoperla decorata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Gripopterygidae
Size 22-30 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cascades Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly endemic to Cascade Range streams. Nymphs inhabit cold boulder-strewn torrents at moderate elevations.

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Did You Know?

Adults drum their abdomens on streamside surfaces to communicate with potential mates.

New Zealand Stonefly

An endemic New Zealand stonefly found in clean, fast-flowing streams. The aquatic nymphs are important indicators of water quality. Adults are poor fliers and often found resting on streamside vegetation. Stonefly diversity in New Zealand is remarkably high.

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Did You Know?

New Zealand stoneflies are such sensitive indicators of water quality that their absence from a stream is a reliable sign of pollution or degradation.