Spring Alpine Stonefly vs Alpine Ground Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spring Alpine Stonefly Alpine Ground Bug
Scientific Name Rhabdiopteryx alpina Geocoris grylloides
Order Plecoptera Hemiptera
Family Taeniopterygidae Geocoridae
Size 8-12 mm body length 3-4 mm body length
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Alps, Central Europe Southern Europe, Mediterranean mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spring Alpine Stonefly

An early-emerging stonefly that appears in spring along cold mountain streams. Adults can often be seen resting on streamside rocks.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first insects to emerge after snowmelt in alpine streams.

Alpine Ground Bug

A small, big-eyed predatory bug of dry mountain slopes. It uses its large eyes to spot and stalk small arthropod prey.

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Did You Know?

Its disproportionately large eyes give it almost 360-degree vision for spotting prey.