Northern Stonefly vs Giant Salmonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Stonefly | Giant Salmonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nemoura arctica | Pteronarcys princeps |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Nemouridae | Pteronarcyidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Iceland, Arctic Canada | North America |
| 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.
Giant Salmonfly
A massive stonefly of western mountain rivers with a three-year nymphal life cycle. Nymphs feed on decomposing leaf material in cold streams.
Did You Know?
Adults are among the largest flying insects in North America and can barely sustain flight due to their weight.