Golden Stonefly vs Large Alpine Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Stonefly Large Alpine Stonefly
Scientific Name Calineuria californica Perla grandis
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Perlidae
Size 25-35 mm 20-33 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions North America Europe, Alps, Pyrenees
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.

Large Alpine Stonefly

One of the largest European stoneflies, found in clean mountain rivers. Its nymphs take several years to develop in cold water.

💡

Did You Know?

Nymphs may take up to four years to complete development in cold alpine waters.