Needlefly vs Japanese Giant Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Needlefly Japanese Giant Stonefly
Scientific Name Leuctra inermis Oyamia lugubris
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Leuctridae Perlidae
Size 6-9 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe Japan
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.

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Did You Know?

The tightly rolled wings make the adult appear to have no wings at all when viewed from above.

Japanese Giant Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly found in mountainous streams of Japan. Nymphs have powerful mandibles for capturing prey in swift currents.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator of pristine water quality in Japanese mountain streams.