Northern Stonefly vs Big-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Stonefly | Big-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nemoura arctica | Pipunculus campestris |
| Order | Plecoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nemouridae | Pipunculidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Iceland, Arctic Canada | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Northern Stonefly
A small, dark brown stonefly with two long cerci at the tip of the abdomen. Adults hold their wings flat over the body. Nymphs develop in cold, well-oxygenated streams and are indicators of clean water.
Did You Know?
Stonefly nymphs are so sensitive to pollution that their presence in a stream is used as an indicator of excellent water quality.
Big-headed Fly
A small fly with an enormously enlarged, almost entirely eye-covered spherical head. It hovers in vegetation searching for leafhopper hosts in which to parasitize.
Did You Know?
Its enormous eyes give it near-360-degree vision, allowing it to spot leafhoppers from any angle while hovering.