Embossed Stonefly vs Glacier Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Embossed Stonefly | Glacier Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paragnetina immarginata | Diamesa steinboecki |
| Order | Plecoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Perlidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Embossed Stonefly
A large patterned stonefly of clean eastern streams with raised body markings. Nymphs are top predators among stream cobble invertebrate communities.
Did You Know?
Nymphs moult up to 30 times before reaching adulthood, far more than most aquatic insects.
Glacier Midge
A remarkable midge that completes its entire life cycle in glacial streams at temperatures near 0C. Represents one of the coldest habitats inhabited by any insect.
Did You Know?
This midge lives its entire life in water barely above freezing — its larvae graze algae on glacier surfaces where temperatures hover around 0C year-round.