Green Stonefly vs Northern Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Stonefly Northern Stonefly
Scientific Name Alloperla caudata Nemoura arctica
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Chloroperlidae Nemouridae
Size 8-12 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions North America Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Iceland, Arctic Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Stonefly

A small bright green stonefly found along clean mountain streams in North America. Despite its small size, it is an important indicator of excellent water quality.

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Did You Know?

The presence of green stoneflies in a stream is considered strong evidence of pristine water quality by aquatic biologists.

Northern Stonefly

A small, dark brown stonefly with two long cerci at the tip of the abdomen. Adults hold their wings flat over the body. Nymphs develop in cold, well-oxygenated streams and are indicators of clean water.

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Did You Know?

Stonefly nymphs are so sensitive to pollution that their presence in a stream is used as an indicator of excellent water quality.