Small-headed Stonefly vs Embossed Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small-headed Stonefly | Embossed Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perlodes microcephala | Paragnetina immarginata |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Perlodidae | Perlidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm body | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North 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.
Embossed Stonefly
A large patterned stonefly of clean eastern streams with raised body markings. Nymphs are top predators among stream cobble invertebrate communities.
Did You Know?
Nymphs moult up to 30 times before reaching adulthood, far more than most aquatic insects.