Mountain Stonefly vs Needlefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Stonefly | Needlefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Protonemura montana | Leuctra inermis |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Nemouridae | Leuctridae |
| Size | 6-10 mm body length | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, Alps, British mountains | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Stonefly
A small brown stonefly common along mountain brooks and streams. Nymphs feed on fallen leaves in cold, well-oxygenated water.
Did You Know?
Its presence is an indicator of excellent water quality in mountain streams.
Needlefly
A slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, resembling a needle. Nymphs shred leaf litter in small streams.
Did You Know?
The tightly rolled wings make the adult appear to have no wings at all when viewed from above.