Springfly vs River Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Springfly River Midge
Scientific Name Isoperla signata Rheotanytarsus exiguus
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Perlodidae Chironomidae
Size 9-13 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Springfly

A spring-emerging stonefly of fast-flowing European streams. Nymphs are active hunters that pursue prey among streambed gravels.

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Did You Know?

Males locate females by producing species-specific vibrations that travel through the substrate.

River Midge

A small filter-feeding midge that builds silken nets on submerged stones in flowing water. Larvae are among the most abundant invertebrates in clean streams.

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Did You Know?

Larvae build tiny fan-shaped silk nets that function like miniature versions of caddisfly catch-nets.