Sweltsa

Ricker, 1943

green stoneflies

Species Guides

5

Sweltsa is a of green stoneflies in the Chloroperlidae, established by Ricker in 1943. The genus comprises more than 50 described worldwide, with documented diversity in North America and Asia. Species are small to medium-sized stoneflies recognized by their characteristic green or yellow-green wing coloration. are typically collected in mid-summer months in mountainous stream .

Sweltsa borealis by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Sweltsa lateralis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.Sweltsa coloradensis by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sweltsa: /ˈswɛltsə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Chloroperlidae by green or yellow-green wing coloration. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia, particularly the structure, and presence or absence of transverse ridge on 9. Female subgenital plate present on margin of sternum 8.

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Habitat

Mountainous stream at elevations ranging from approximately 1400 to 2900 meters. Found in summer-dry headwater streams and small mountain streams. often found on riparian vegetation near streams.

Distribution

Widespread in North America (including Oregon, Alberta, Alaska, Alabama, Arizona) and Asia (China: Ningxia, Henan, Sichuan provinces; Russian Far East; Korea).

Seasonality

active in mid-summer; specimens collected July–August in Chinese .

Life Cycle

Aquatic nymphal stage in streams; emerge in summer. Nymphal generic characters develop gradually through instars.

Behavior

collected by aerial net or hand-picked from riparian vegetation near streams.

Human Relevance

Used as bioindicators of stream water quality due to sensitivity to disturbance. Subject of taxonomic and research.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Chloroperlidae generaSweltsa distinguished by green wing coloration; other in typically have clear or differently colored wings
  • S. recurvata group vs. other Sweltsa speciesS. recurvata group lacks transverse ridge on 9; other possess this ridge

More Details

Taxonomic History

established by Ricker in 1943. Over 55 now recognized worldwide, with ongoing descriptions of new species from Asia.

Research Limitations

Detailed information available for few ; most biological data derived from S. adamantea in Oregon and S. liupanshana and S. hamula in China.

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Sources and further reading