Claassenia Stonefly vs Banded Blackfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Claassenia Stonefly Banded Blackfly
Scientific Name Claassenia sabulosa Simulium ornatum
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Perlidae Simuliidae
Size 25-40 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Western North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Claassenia Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly with a mottled yellow and brown pattern. The nymphs are active nocturnal hunters that roam the stream bed seeking prey.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs often crawl out of the water at night to hunt, making them vulnerable to bats and spiders.

Banded Blackfly

A widespread European black fly species complex found in diverse stream types. Larvae filter-feed from silken pads attached to trailing vegetation and stones.

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Did You Know?

Recent DNA studies revealed that what was considered one species is actually a complex of several cryptic species.