Golden Stonefly vs Common Black Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden Stonefly | Common Black Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Calineuria californica | Pterostichus melanarius |
| Order | Plecoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Perlidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden Stonefly
A large predatory stonefly with a golden-brown body found in western North American rivers. Its nymphs are active hunters on the streambed.
Did You Know?
Golden stonefly nymphs are apex predators of the streambed, hunting mayfly and caddisfly larvae among the cobbles.
Common Black Ground Beetle
One of the most abundant ground beetles in European farmland and gardens. It is a generalist predator active mainly at night.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most commonly caught beetles in pitfall traps across Europe.