Chilean Giant Stonefly vs Alpine Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chilean Giant Stonefly Alpine Stonefly
Scientific Name Diamphipnoa helicoides Dictyogenus alpinum
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Diamphipnoidae Perlodidae
Size 25-40 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions South America (Chile) Alps, Central European mountains
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Chilean Giant Stonefly

An ancient, large stonefly endemic to Chilean mountain streams. It belongs to a relict family with Gondwanan origins.

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Did You Know?

Its family is considered a living fossil with only two known species, both restricted to Chile.

Alpine Stonefly

A large, dark stonefly of cold alpine streams and rivers. Its nymphs are voracious predators of other aquatic invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed during their short lifespan.