Western Stone vs Small-headed Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Stone Small-headed Stonefly
Scientific Name Doroneuria baumanni Perlodes microcephala
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlidae Perlodidae
Size 25-35 mm 15-22 mm body
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Western Stone

A large predatory stonefly of Pacific Northwest mountain streams. Nymphs have distinctive patterned heads and powerful mandibles.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs take up to three years to complete development in cold mountain streams.

Small-headed Stonefly

A large spring-emerging stonefly found in clean upland rivers. Nymphs are predatory, feeding on mayfly and midge larvae. An important bioindicator species.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs require the cleanest, most oxygen-rich water of any stonefly, making them sensitive pollution indicators.