Stonefly
![](critteroutlines/stoneflyadulttrans.gif)
![](critteroutlines/inches/stoneainchestrans.gif)
ADULT:
2 INCHES
![](critteroutlines/stoneflylarvatrans.gif)
![](critteroutlines/inches/stonelinchtrans.gif)
NYMPH:
1 INCH
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General Info:
- Macroinvertabrate:
Phylum: Arthropdoa, Class: Insectia, Order: Plecoptera
- Life cycle:
Nymph for Autumn, Winter, and Spring, and Adult for Summer, or 3mo
- 3 years
- Approximately
1600 species of stoneflies are found throughout the world, and more
than 450 species occur in North America
Adults:
- Can deposit
over 1000 eggs
- Has 2 pairs
of wings(cerci) folded along back, otherwise look like nymph
- Live from a
few hours to several days and do not feed
- Dull-colored,
commonly gray, brown, green, or yellowish
Nymphs:
- Have 2 tails(cerci),
3 pairs of crablike legs with 2 tarsal claws on each foot, 2 sets
of wing pads, and antennae
- Gills are on
the base of the legs, resembling "a hairy armpit"
- Hide among stones
or plants in streams or along stream banks - some are carnivores (mayfly
nymphs and other insect larva). Others eat fungi and bacteria associated
with leaf decay
- Are eaten by
fish, including trout and steelhead
Significance to
Haw River:
- Stream quality
indicator
- Require well-oxygenated
water and are essential to the food chain
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