Embossed Stonefly vs Mountain Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Embossed Stonefly Mountain Stonefly
Scientific Name Paragnetina immarginata Protonemura montana
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Nemouridae
Size 18-25 mm 6-10 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Alps, British mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Embossed Stonefly

A large patterned stonefly of clean eastern streams with raised body markings. Nymphs are top predators among stream cobble invertebrate communities.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs moult up to 30 times before reaching adulthood, far more than most aquatic insects.

Mountain Stonefly

A small brown stonefly common along mountain brooks and streams. Nymphs feed on fallen leaves in cold, well-oxygenated water.

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Did You Know?

Its presence is an indicator of excellent water quality in mountain streams.