Spring Stonefly vs Glacial Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spring Stonefly Glacial Stonefly
Scientific Name Amphinemura sulcicollis Leuctra alpina
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Nemouridae Leuctridae
Size 6-9 mm 6-9 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Alps, Pyrenees
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.

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Did You Know?

Adults are among the first insects to appear each spring, sometimes emerging while snow still covers the banks.

Glacial Stonefly

A small, slender stonefly found in the coldest alpine headwater streams. Its needle-like wings are rolled tightly around its body at rest.

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Did You Know?

Its rolled-wing resting posture gives the family its common name of needle flies.