Spring Alpine Stonefly vs Japanese Giant Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spring Alpine Stonefly Japanese Giant Stonefly
Scientific Name Rhabdiopteryx alpina Oyamia lugubris
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Taeniopterygidae Perlidae
Size 8-12 mm body length 25-35 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Alps, Central Europe Japan
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.

Japanese Giant Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly found in mountainous streams of Japan. Nymphs have powerful mandibles for capturing prey in swift currents.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator of pristine water quality in Japanese mountain streams.