Cascades Stonefly vs Phantom Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cascades Stonefly Phantom Midge
Scientific Name Doroneuria theodora Chaoborus crystallinus
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Perlidae Chaoboridae
Size 22-30 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Europe, North America
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.

Phantom Midge

A nearly transparent midge whose larvae are planktonic predators in lakes. Larvae migrate vertically in the water column daily to avoid fish predation.

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Did You Know?

Its glass-clear larvae are almost invisible in water, earning the common name glassworm.