Tasmanian Giant Stonefly vs Glacier Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tasmanian Giant Stonefly Glacier Black Fly
Scientific Name Eusthenia spectabilis Prosimulium alpestre
Order Plecoptera Diptera
Family Eustheniidae Simuliidae
Size 30-50 mm 2-4 mm body length
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Predators Blood Feeders
Regions Australia (Tasmania) Alps, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tasmanian Giant Stonefly

A spectacular large stonefly endemic to Tasmanian mountain streams with bold orange and black markings. Nymphs are among the largest aquatic insect larvae in Australia.

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Did You Know?

It belongs to an ancient Gondwanan family found only in Australia and South America.

Glacier Black Fly

A small black fly whose larvae develop in fast-flowing alpine streams. Adults are among the earliest insects active after snowmelt.

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Did You Know?

Larvae anchor themselves to rocks in torrential currents using silk pads and tiny hooks.