Giant Salmonfly vs Alpine Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Salmonfly Alpine Click Beetle
Scientific Name Pteronarcys princeps Hypnoidus rivularius
Order Plecoptera Coleoptera
Family Pteronarcyidae Elateridae
Size 35-50 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Detritivores Root Feeders
Regions North America Northern Europe, Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Salmonfly

A massive stonefly of western mountain rivers with a three-year nymphal life cycle. Nymphs feed on decomposing leaf material in cold streams.

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Did You Know?

Adults are among the largest flying insects in North America and can barely sustain flight due to their weight.

Alpine Click Beetle

A small, dark click beetle found in damp alpine and subalpine habitats. Its larvae develop in moist soil among grass roots.

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Did You Know?

Like all click beetles, it can launch itself into the air with an audible click to escape predators.