Sweltsa Green Stonefly vs Alpine Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweltsa Green Stonefly Alpine Stonefly
Scientific Name Sweltsa borealis Dictyogenus alpinum
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Chloroperlidae Perlodidae
Size 6-9 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Alps, Central European mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sweltsa Green Stonefly

A small northern green stonefly found in cold boreal and montane streams. Nymphs prey on early-instar chironomids and other tiny larvae.

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Did You Know?

This species is one of the most cold-adapted stoneflies and can be active in near-freezing water.

Alpine Stonefly

A large, dark stonefly of cold alpine streams and rivers. Its nymphs are voracious predators of other aquatic invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed during their short lifespan.