Skimmer Stonefly vs Australian Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Skimmer Stonefly Australian Hoverfly
Scientific Name Acroneuria abnormis Simosyrphus grandicornis
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Perlidae Syrphidae
Size 20-30 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern North America Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Skimmer Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly widespread in eastern North American rivers. Adults skim across the water surface during egg-laying flights.

💡

Did You Know?

Female skimmer stoneflies bounce across the water surface while releasing eggs, appearing to skip like a stone.

Australian Hoverfly

A common Australian hoverfly with orange-yellow markings on a dark abdomen. It is an important pollinator and aphid predator in Australian agriculture.

💡

Did You Know?

It is the most commonly encountered hoverfly species across mainland Australia.