Needle Stonefly vs Springfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Needle Stonefly Springfly
Scientific Name Leuctra fusca Isoperla signata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Leuctridae Perlodidae
Size 6-10 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Springfly

A spring-emerging stonefly of fast-flowing European streams. Nymphs are active hunters that pursue prey among streambed gravels.

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Did You Know?

Males locate females by producing species-specific vibrations that travel through the substrate.