Chilean Giant Stonefly vs South African Brown Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chilean Giant Stonefly South African Brown Stonefly
Scientific Name Diamphipnoa helicoides Neoperla spio
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Diamphipnoidae Perlidae
Size 25-40 mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions South America (Chile) Africa
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.

South African Brown Stonefly

A medium-sized brown stonefly found in rivers and streams of southern and eastern Africa. Nymphs are predatory and favor rocky riffles.

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Did You Know?

Neoperla is one of the few stonefly genera found across both Africa and tropical Asia.