Rolled-winged Stoneflies
Leuctridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Plecoptera
- Superfamily: Nemouroidea
- Family: Leuctridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leuctridae: /luːkˈtrɪdiː/
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Images
Summary
The Leuctridae, also known as rolled-winged stoneflies, consist of ~390 species across 12 genera worldwide, primarily found in Holarctic regions. They exhibit unique wing morphology and play a significant role in their ecosystems during their aquatic larval stages.
Physical Characteristics
Small stoneflies, 5–13 mm in length (0.20–0.51 in), slender and cylindrical wings, usually dark brown; wings appear to wrap around their bodies at rest.
Identification Tips
Look for the slender, cylindrical body and the distinctive wing posture at rest; most species are less than 1 cm long.
Habitat
Primarily aquatic environments where they lay eggs in water; larvae found in vegetation and organic waste.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution, found throughout North America with ~116 species in the lower 48 states.
Diet
Herbivorous, feeding on plants and organic waste.
Life Cycle
Adults emerge in early spring, swarm, mate, and lay eggs in water.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid in water; specific reproductive behaviors and mating rituals can vary by species.
Ecosystem Role
Play a role in aquatic ecosystems as herbivores and as part of the food web.
Tags
- Leuctridae
- Rolled-winged Stoneflies
- Plecoptera
- Holarctic
- Insecta