Perlodidae

Definition

A family of stoneflies (order Plecoptera) characterized by adults with distinctively striped or banded abdominal tergites, giving rise to the common name "stripetails." Larvae are aquatic predators or omnivores in running waters, typically recognized by the presence of gills on the thorax and at the base of legs, and by the absence of the branching gills on the abdomen found in related families such as Perlidae. The family comprises two subfamilies, Perlodinae and Isoperlinae.

Etymology

From Perlodes (type genus, from Latin perla "pearl" + Greek -odes "resembling") + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Perlodidae larvae, such as those of Isoperla, are commonly used as bioindicators of cold, well-oxygenated streams because they are sensitive to organic pollution and sedimentation.

Synonyms

• perlodid stoneflies
• stripetails
• springflies

Related Terms

• Plecoptera
• Perlidae
• Chloroperlidae
• Arctoperlaria
• Systellognatha
• Isoperlinae
• Perlodinae
• bioindicator
• plecopteran

Usage Notes

The common name "stripetails" refers specifically to the banded abdominal pattern diagnostic of adults in this family, distinguishing them from the often larger and unbanded "common stoneflies" (Perlidae) and the bright green "sallflies" (Chloroperlidae). The vernacular "springflies" can cause confusion with early-season mayflies (Ephemeroptera). Perlodidae is placed in the infraorder Systellognatha based on the shared derived trait of flexible, articulated mandibles adapted for predation.