Northern Stonefly vs Giant Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Stonefly | Giant Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nemoura arctica | Pteronarcys californica |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Nemouridae | Pteronarcyidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 30-50 mm body |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| 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 Stonefly
Large aquatic insects whose nymphs require pristine, cold, oxygen-rich streams. Adults are poor fliers and stay near water. Important food source for trout.
Did You Know?
Stonefly nymphs are so sensitive to water pollution that their presence is used by scientists as a living indicator of water quality — no stoneflies means polluted water.