Zealeuctra
Zealeuctra
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Plecoptera
- Superfamily: Nemouroidea
- Family: Leuctridae
- Subfamily: Leuctrinae
- Genus: Zealeuctra
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Zealeuctra: //ˌziːəˈlɛu̯ktrə//
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Summary
Zealeuctra is a genus of small stoneflies within the family Leuctridae, known for their slender wings and aquatic larvae that contribute to the ecosystem's health.
Physical Characteristics
Small stoneflies reaching a length of 5–13 mm (0.20–0.51 in), most species are under 1 cm long. Wings are slender, cylindrical, and usually dark brown. At rest, the wings appear to wrap around their bodies.
Identification Tips
Look for small, cylindrical wings that wrap around the body when at rest, and slender yellowish larvae.
Habitat
Found in freshwater environments, particularly in areas with plant and organic waste.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution, particularly found in the eastern United States and throughout various habitats in the region.
Diet
Adults are herbivorous, feeding on plants and organic waste during their larval stage.
Life Cycle
Adults develop in early spring, swarm, mate, and lay eggs in the water.
Reproduction
Mating occurs during spring with egg laying taking place in aquatic environments.
Ecosystem Role
Ecosystem engineers due to their feeding habits, influencing plant and organic waste decomposition.
Collecting Methods
- Net sampling from freshwater habitats
- Light traps during spring mating swarms
Preservation Methods
- Dried specimens
- Ethanol preservation for larvae
Tags
- Zealeuctra
- stoneflies
- Holarctic
- Leuctridae