Short-Tailed Stonefly vs Scarce Chaser

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Short-Tailed Stonefly Scarce Chaser
Scientific Name Brachyptera risi Libellula fulva
Order Plecoptera Odonata
Family Taeniopterygidae Libellulidae
Size 8-14 mm 55-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Short-Tailed Stonefly

A medium-sized early-emerging stonefly with notably short cerci. It hatches in late winter and early spring across European rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first insects to emerge each year, often appearing while rivers still have ice margins.

Scarce Chaser

A medium-sized dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue abdomen. It is associated with clean, slow-flowing rivers with abundant marginal vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, the scarce chaser has become increasingly common in parts of Europe as water quality in rivers has improved.