Small Brown Forestfly vs Great Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Brown Forestfly | Great Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nemoura avicularis | Atlides halesus |
| Order | Plecoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nemouridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Brown Forestfly
A small brown stonefly of European woodland streams that emerges in spring. Nymphs are detritivores feeding on submerged leaf litter.
Did You Know?
Adults fold their wings flat over the body like a fan, unlike most stoneflies that fold wings along the sides.
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.