Lake Stonefly vs Needle Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lake Stonefly Needle Stonefly
Scientific Name Megaleuctra complicata Leuctra fusca
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Leuctridae Leuctridae
Size 8-14 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Lake Stonefly

A rare stonefly found in cold mountain lake outlets and spring-fed streams.

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Did You Know?

Its restricted cold-water habitat makes it vulnerable to climate warming.

Needle Stonefly

A small slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, giving it a needle-like appearance. Common in small streams across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Needle stoneflies are among the most pollution-sensitive aquatic insects and disappear quickly from streams affected by acid rain.