Yellow Sally Stonefly vs Small-headed Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow Sally Stonefly Small-headed Stonefly
Scientific Name Isoperla grammatica Perlodes microcephala
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlodidae Perlodidae
Size 8-14 mm 15-22 mm body
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yellow Sally Stonefly

A common European stonefly with a distinctive yellow body, emerging in late spring on clean rivers. It is a well-known species among European fly anglers.

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Did You Know?

Yellow sally stoneflies drum their abdomens on surfaces to produce vibrations that attract mates, a behavior unique to stoneflies.

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.