Needlefly vs Green Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Needlefly Green Stonefly
Scientific Name Leuctra inermis Alloperla caudata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Leuctridae Chloroperlidae
Size 6-9 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Green Stonefly

A small bright green stonefly found along clean mountain streams in North America. Despite its small size, it is an important indicator of excellent water quality.

💡

Did You Know?

The presence of green stoneflies in a stream is considered strong evidence of pristine water quality by aquatic biologists.