Spring Stonefly vs American Rubyspot
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spring Stonefly | American Rubyspot |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amphinemura sulcicollis | Hetaerina americana |
| Order | Plecoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Nemouridae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 40-50 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spring Stonefly
A small dark stonefly that emerges in early spring in European streams. Nymphs are shredders of decomposing leaf litter in headwaters.
Did You Know?
Adults are among the first insects to appear each spring, sometimes emerging while snow still covers the banks.
American Rubyspot
A graceful damselfly with brilliant ruby-red patches at the base of the wings in males. Its metallic red-bronze body gleams in sunlight along stream banks.
Did You Know?
Males aggressively defend stream territories, clashing with rivals by displaying their ruby wing patches.