Small-headed Stonefly vs Spring Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small-headed Stonefly | Spring Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perlodes microcephala | Amphinemura sulcicollis |
| Order | Plecoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Perlodidae | Nemouridae |
| Size | 15-22 mm body | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| 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.
Spring Stonefly
A small dark stonefly that emerges in early spring in European streams. Nymphs are shredders of decomposing leaf litter in headwaters.
Did You Know?
Adults are among the first insects to appear each spring, sometimes emerging while snow still covers the banks.