Golden Stonefly vs Small Brown Forestfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Stonefly Small Brown Forestfly
Scientific Name Calineuria californica Nemoura avicularis
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Nemouridae
Size 25-35 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions North America Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

Golden stonefly nymphs are apex predators of the streambed, hunting mayfly and caddisfly larvae among the cobbles.

Small Brown Forestfly

A small brown stonefly of European woodland streams that emerges in spring. Nymphs are detritivores feeding on submerged leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Adults fold their wings flat over the body like a fan, unlike most stoneflies that fold wings along the sides.