New Zealand Stonefly vs Sand Fly Caddis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Stonefly | Sand Fly Caddis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zelandoperla decorata | Glossosoma intermedium |
| Order | Plecoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Gripopterygidae | Glossosomatidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Stonefly
An endemic New Zealand stonefly found in clean, fast-flowing streams. The aquatic nymphs are important indicators of water quality. Adults are poor fliers and often found resting on streamside vegetation. Stonefly diversity in New Zealand is remarkably high.
Did You Know?
New Zealand stoneflies are such sensitive indicators of water quality that their absence from a stream is a reliable sign of pollution or degradation.
Sand Fly Caddis
A small caddisfly whose larvae build distinctive tortoise-shell-shaped stone cases. They are important grazers on algae-covered stream rocks.
Did You Know?
Glossosoma larvae abandon and rebuild their dome-shaped cases each time they need to move to a new grazing site.