Small-headed Stonefly vs White-Stockinged Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small-headed Stonefly White-Stockinged Black Fly
Scientific Name Perlodes microcephala Simulium vittatum
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Perlodidae Simuliidae
Size 15-22 mm body 2-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Blood Feeders
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small-headed Stonefly

A large spring-emerging stonefly found in clean upland rivers. Nymphs are predatory, feeding on mayfly and midge larvae. An important bioindicator species.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs require the cleanest, most oxygen-rich water of any stonefly, making them sensitive pollution indicators.

White-Stockinged Black Fly

A widespread black fly species complex with distinctive white-banded legs. Larvae colonize almost any flowing water from irrigation ditches to large rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly encountered black fly species in laboratory research.