Ostrocerca albidipennis
(Walker, 1852)
white-tailed forestfly, whitetailed forestfly
Ostrocerca albidipennis, commonly called the white-tailed forestfly, is a of in the Nemouridae. It was originally described as Nemoura albidipennis by Walker in 1852. The species is found in eastern North America, with records from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Maryland. As a member of the Nemouridae family, it belongs to the group of small stoneflies commonly known as forestflies.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ostrocerca albidipennis: /ˌɒstroʊˈsɛrkə ælˌbɪdɪˈpɛnɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The specific epithet 'albidipennis' (white-winged) and 'white-tailed forestfly' suggest pale or white coloration on the wings or terminal abdominal segments, though detailed diagnostic features are not well documented in available sources. As with other Ostrocerca , are small stoneflies with reduced wing venation characteristic of the Nemouridae .
Habitat
As a in the Nemouridae, this is associated with forested stream where larvae develop in cool, well-oxygenated water.
Distribution
Documented from eastern North America: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Maryland.
Life Cycle
As a (Plecoptera), this has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial stage. The '' indicates adult in spring, though specific timing is not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ostrocerca speciesMembers of this are morphologically similar small nemourid stoneflies; differentiation often requires examination of male genitalia and other fine structural details.
- Other Nemouridae (forestflies)Small size and reduced wing venation are shared characteristics; -level identification requires specialized examination.
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described in the Nemoura by Francis Walker in 1852, later transferred to Ostrocerca. The basionym Nemoura albidipennis is preserved in taxonomic databases.
Observation rarity
Only 7 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of source date, suggesting this is either genuinely rare, undercollected, or difficult to identify from photographs.