Winter Stoneflies
Taeniopterygidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Plecoptera
- Superfamily: Nemouroidea
- Family: Taeniopterygidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Taeniopterygidae: /tiːˌniːˌɒptəˈrɪdʒɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Taeniopterygidae, commonly known as winter stoneflies or willowflies, are a family of stoneflies with about 110 described extant species, characterized by their small size, aquatic nymph stage, and reliance on clean, oxygen-rich water.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are dark brown to black with or without diffuse bands on wings; some species have yellowish or reddish markings on the head, thorax, and tip of abdomen. The forewing has a forked vein rising from the basal anal cell, with 3 or fewer costal cross veins, and two adjacent rows of broad rectangular cells near the base of the wing. Antennae are very long, and they have 3 ocelli. Nymphs are also dark brown to black, with the second tarsal segment about as long as the first, which is diagnostic for both nymphs and adults.
Identification Tips
Look for adults that are usually smaller than 15 mm with distinct wing patterns. The presence of long antennae and the shape of nymphs can also aid in identification.
Habitat
Nymphs develop in cold, clear running water, usually in large streams and rivers. Adults are often found near bridges over streams or resting on fence posts and snow on warm winter days.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution, commonly found throughout North America, particularly in suitable water conditions.
Diet
Adults and nymphs are plant feeders; nymphs are described as 'shredders' or 'detritivores', consuming living or dead plant material and broken-down organic matter.
Life Cycle
Nymphs climb out of water and shed their skins to become adults in late winter. Adults live long enough to mate and lay eggs, while nymphs hatch and undergo a period of diapause from mid-spring to fall, with growth occurring primarily in the fall and winter.
Reproduction
Adults mate shortly after emergence and lay eggs in the water.
Predators
Provide food for trout and other aquatic predators.
Ecosystem Role
Indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to pollution; play a role in aquatic food webs as herbivores and prey for fish.
Economic Impact
Important as an indicator species for freshwater ecosystems, informing on water pollution levels.
Similar Taxa
- Plecoptera
- Other stoneflies
Tags
- Taeniopterygidae
- stoneflies
- winter stoneflies
- willowflies