Notonemouridae

Definition

A family of stoneflies (order Plecoptera) comprising more than 20 genera and at least 120 described species. Members of Notonemouridae are primarily distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, distinguishing them from the predominantly Northern Hemisphere Nemouridae to which they were historically allied. Adults are typically small to medium-sized stoneflies with reduced wing venation; nymphs are generally scrapers or gatherers in cool, flowing waters.

Etymology

Example

Nymphs of Austrocerella, a genus in Notonemouridae, inhabit rocky streams in southeastern Australia and are used as indicators of unimpaired water quality in biomonitoring programs.

Related Terms

• Plecoptera
• Nemouridae
• Euholognatha
• stonefly
• biomonitoring
• lotic ecology

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a subfamily of Nemouridae; elevated to family rank based on phylogenetic and biogeographic evidence. The family's Southern Hemisphere distribution contrasts sharply with Nemouridae, which are largely Holarctic. Specialists use Notonemouridae in phylogenetic studies of Plecoptera and in aquatic insect surveys of Gondwanan regions.