Needle Stonefly vs Sweltsa Green Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Needle Stonefly | Sweltsa Green Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leuctra fusca | Sweltsa borealis |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Leuctridae | Chloroperlidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Needle stoneflies are among the most pollution-sensitive aquatic insects and disappear quickly from streams affected by acid rain.
Sweltsa Green Stonefly
A small northern green stonefly found in cold boreal and montane streams. Nymphs prey on early-instar chironomids and other tiny larvae.
Did You Know?
This species is one of the most cold-adapted stoneflies and can be active in near-freezing water.