Small-headed Stonefly vs Mediterranean Drilus
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small-headed Stonefly | Mediterranean Drilus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perlodes microcephala | Drilus mauritanicus |
| Order | Plecoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Perlodidae | Drilidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm body | 5-7 mm (male), 15-20 mm (female) |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North Africa, Mediterranean |
| 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.
Mediterranean Drilus
A North African drilus beetle with small winged males bearing brown elytra and pectinate antennae. The larviform females are specialized predators of Mediterranean land snails.
Did You Know?
After consuming a snail, the female lays her eggs inside the empty snail shell, which also serves as protection for the developing larvae.