Giant Salmonfly vs Springfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Salmonfly Springfly
Scientific Name Pteronarcys princeps Isoperla signata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Pteronarcyidae Perlodidae
Size 35-50 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions North America Europe
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.

Springfly

A spring-emerging stonefly of fast-flowing European streams. Nymphs are active hunters that pursue prey among streambed gravels.

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Did You Know?

Males locate females by producing species-specific vibrations that travel through the substrate.