Cottonwood Borer vs Skimmer Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cottonwood Borer Skimmer Stonefly
Scientific Name Plectrodera scalator Acroneuria abnormis
Order Coleoptera Plecoptera
Family Cerambycidae Perlidae
Size 25-40 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Predators
Regions Central and eastern United States Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cottonwood Borer

A large longhorn beetle with bold black and white patterning and long antennae. Its larvae bore into the roots and lower trunks of cottonwood and willow trees.

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Did You Know?

When handled, it produces a loud squeaking sound by rubbing parts of its thorax together.

Skimmer Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly widespread in eastern North American rivers. Adults skim across the water surface during egg-laying flights.

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Did You Know?

Female skimmer stoneflies bounce across the water surface while releasing eggs, appearing to skip like a stone.