Embossed Stonefly vs Needlefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Embossed Stonefly | Needlefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paragnetina immarginata | Leuctra inermis |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Perlidae | Leuctridae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Nymphs moult up to 30 times before reaching adulthood, far more than most aquatic insects.
Needlefly
A slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, resembling a needle. Nymphs shred leaf litter in small streams.
Did You Know?
The tightly rolled wings make the adult appear to have no wings at all when viewed from above.