Achnanthidium rivulare is difficult to distinguish from Achnanthidium crassum, except under optimal illumination. Achnanthidium crassum has a slightly larger length-to-width ratio and radiate striae at the apices on the raphe valve. Achnanthidium deflexum has linear-elliptic valves and often shortened marginal striae in the middle portion of the valve. Rossithidium pusillum has parallel striae throughout most of the valve and no terminal raphe fissures. Achnanthidium convergens has strongly convergent striae near apices of the raphe valve, is larger in size, and has expanded external central raphe ends.