Common Stoneflies
Perlidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Plecoptera
- Superfamily: Perloidea
- Family: Perlidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Perlidae: /ˈpɛr.lɪˌdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Perlidae are a family of stoneflies, with more than 50 genera and 1,100 described species. They are sensitive to environmental changes, often attracted to light sources, and are known to actively move in their aquatic habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Adult length 9-40 mm, with a close-up view of the tip of the abdomen being useful for determining genus and species.
Identification Tips
A dorsal view of the terminalia is probably best for males, while a ventral view of the last few abdominal segments is best for females.
Habitat
Found in cool, clear medium-sized to large streams and sometimes in larger, warm rivers that carry silt. They are usually lotic and lentic erosional.
Distribution
Worldwide except for Antarctica and parts of Africa; throughout North America.
Diet
Nymphs prey mainly on small aquatic invertebrates; they may also eat detritus and algae. Adults do not feed.
Life Cycle
Lifecycles range between one and three years. Adults emerge in the summer.
Ecosystem Role
They are engulfer-predators and consume all types of invertebrates. Very young larvae are collector-gatherers.
Tags
- Perlidae
- stoneflies
- Golden Stoneflies
- aquatic insects