Skimmer Stonefly vs Golden Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Skimmer Stonefly Golden Stonefly
Scientific Name Acroneuria abnormis Calineuria californica
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Perlidae
Size 20-30 mm 25-35 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.

Golden Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly with a golden-brown body found in western North American rivers. Its nymphs are active hunters on the streambed.

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Did You Know?

Golden stonefly nymphs are apex predators of the streambed, hunting mayfly and caddisfly larvae among the cobbles.