Small-headed Stonefly vs American Rubyspot
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small-headed Stonefly | American Rubyspot |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perlodes microcephala | Hetaerina americana |
| Order | Plecoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Perlodidae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm body | 40-50 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Nymphs require the cleanest, most oxygen-rich water of any stonefly, making them sensitive pollution indicators.
American Rubyspot
A graceful damselfly with brilliant ruby-red patches at the base of the wings in males. Its metallic red-bronze body gleams in sunlight along stream banks.
Did You Know?
Males aggressively defend stream territories, clashing with rivals by displaying their ruby wing patches.