Sweltsa Green Stonefly vs Eastern Salmonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweltsa Green Stonefly Eastern Salmonfly
Scientific Name Sweltsa borealis Pteronarcys biloba
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Chloroperlidae Pteronarcyidae
Size 6-9 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions North America North America
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.

Eastern Salmonfly

A large dark stonefly of Appalachian streams that emerges in late spring. Nymphs process leaf litter and are important detritivores.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs retain functional gills throughout development, unlike many stoneflies that lose them with age.