Stonefly Lifecycle

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Stonefly

ADULT: 2 INCHES

 

 

NYMPH: 1 INCH

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