Acroneuria carolinensis

(Banks, 1905)

Carolina Stone

Acroneuria carolinensis, commonly known as the Carolina stone, is a predatory in the Perlidae. It has a with from late May through mid-July. Nymphs undergo an ontogenetic shift, moving from leaf packs in slow water as small instars to cobble substrates in riffles as they grow larger. are short-lived, do not feed, and are attracted to lights. The functions as a top in stream .

Common stonefly, Acroneuria carolinensis (30249090624) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Common stonefly, Acroneuria carolinensis (30586078101) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Common stonefly, Acroneuria carolinensis (30210095523) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acroneuria carolinensis: //ˌækrəˈnjʊriə ˌkærəlaɪˈnɛnsɪs//

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Images

Habitat

Small nymphs inhabit leaf packs in slow-moving water; larger nymphs occupy cobble substrates in riffle areas of streams. Documented from Panther Creek, a third-order stream in Nicholas County, West Virginia.

Distribution

North America. Specific records from Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, and West Virginia.

Seasonality

occurs from late May through mid-July. are attracted to lights at night.

Diet

Predatory; nymphs feed on other aquatic including chironomids, baetid mayflies, and other small prey items. do not feed.

Life Cycle

(one per year). approximately 2-3 weeks. Nymphal development spans approximately 11 months. emerge, mate, and females deposit eggs on emergent rocks and other substrates in the stream.

Behavior

Nymphs exhibit ontogenetic shift from leaf packs to cobble substrates as they grow larger. occurs at dusk and continues into night. are attracted to lights.

Ecological Role

Predatory that functions as a top in stream . Contributes to nutrient cycling through processing of prey and serves as prey for fish and other predators.