Large Stonefly vs Sallfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Stonefly Sallfly
Scientific Name Perla bipunctata Chloroperla tripunctata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Chloroperlidae
Size 20-30 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Large Stonefly

One of the largest European stoneflies with a distinctive pair of pale spots on its head. Its predatory nymphs live among stones in fast-flowing rivers.

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Did You Know?

Large stonefly nymphs require three years to complete development, making them particularly vulnerable to long-term changes in water quality.

Sallfly

A small, bright green stonefly with three distinctive dark spots on its head. It is common in clean European upland streams during spring.

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Did You Know?

The three dark dots on its head give this species its Latin name tripunctata, meaning three-spotted.