Cascades Stonefly vs Small-headed Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cascades Stonefly Small-headed Stonefly
Scientific Name Doroneuria theodora Perlodes microcephala
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Perlodidae
Size 22-30 mm 15-22 mm body
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Europe
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.

Small-headed Stonefly

A large spring-emerging stonefly found in clean upland rivers. Nymphs are predatory, feeding on mayfly and midge larvae. An important bioindicator species.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs require the cleanest, most oxygen-rich water of any stonefly, making them sensitive pollution indicators.