Skimmer Stonefly vs Embossed Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Skimmer Stonefly Embossed Stonefly
Scientific Name Acroneuria abnormis Paragnetina immarginata
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Perlidae
Size 20-30 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern North America North America
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Embossed Stonefly

A large patterned stonefly of clean eastern streams with raised body markings. Nymphs are top predators among stream cobble invertebrate communities.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs moult up to 30 times before reaching adulthood, far more than most aquatic insects.