Western Glacier Stonefly vs Giant Salmonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Glacier Stonefly | Giant Salmonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zapada glacier | Pteronarcys princeps |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Nemouridae | Pteronarcyidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Glacier National Park, Montana | North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Western Glacier Stonefly
A cold-specialist stonefly found only in glacier-fed streams in Glacier National Park. It is threatened by the retreat of mountain glaciers.
Did You Know?
It may become one of the first insects driven to extinction by climate change as glaciers disappear.
Giant Salmonfly
A massive stonefly of western mountain rivers with a three-year nymphal life cycle. Nymphs feed on decomposing leaf material in cold streams.
Did You Know?
Adults are among the largest flying insects in North America and can barely sustain flight due to their weight.