Great Grey Sedge vs Spring Alpine Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Grey Sedge Spring Alpine Stonefly
Scientific Name Arctopsyche grandis Rhabdiopteryx alpina
Order Trichoptera Plecoptera
Family Hydropsychidae Taeniopterygidae
Size 20-30 mm 8-12 mm body length
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America Alps, Central Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Great Grey Sedge

One of the largest net-spinning caddisflies in North America with a wingspan over 40 mm. Larvae build robust catch-nets in powerful mountain torrents.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are partially predatory, consuming small invertebrates trapped in their nets alongside organic debris.

Spring Alpine Stonefly

An early-emerging stonefly that appears in spring along cold mountain streams. Adults can often be seen resting on streamside rocks.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first insects to emerge after snowmelt in alpine streams.