Yellow Stonefly vs Northern Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow Stonefly Northern Stonefly
Scientific Name Isoperla dicala Nemoura arctica
Order Plecoptera Plecoptera
Family Perlodidae Nemouridae
Size 9-13 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Iceland, Arctic Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yellow Stonefly

A bright yellow springfly found in clean Appalachian streams. Nymphs are predatory on small invertebrates in gravel substrates.

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Did You Know?

Males produce vibrational signals by rubbing their abdomen against the substrate, audible through special sensors.

Northern Stonefly

A small, dark brown stonefly with two long cerci at the tip of the abdomen. Adults hold their wings flat over the body. Nymphs develop in cold, well-oxygenated streams and are indicators of clean water.

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Did You Know?

Stonefly nymphs are so sensitive to pollution that their presence in a stream is used as an indicator of excellent water quality.