Paragnetina media

(Walker, 1852)

embossed stonefly, Embossed Stone

Paragnetina media, commonly known as the embossed , is a stonefly in the Perlidae. It is found in North America, with documented in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, and Indiana. The species has been studied for its sensory , particularly the distribution of on mouthparts and , and its ecological responses to variables including current speed and substrate composition.

Common stonefly, Paragnetina media (7631426428) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Common stonefly, Paragnetina media (7631425814) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Common stonefly, Paragnetina media (7631424128) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paragnetina media: /ˌpæræɡˈnɛtɪnə ˈmiːdiə/

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Images

Habitat

Freshwater streams and rivers. Laboratory studies indicate preference for larger substrate particles (53.0–110.0 mm diameter) and current speeds of 0.33–0.41 m/s. Field observations in the Credit River, Ontario, and Doe Run, Kentucky, confirm stream-dwelling habits.

Distribution

North America. Documented in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, and Indiana. Also studied in the Credit River, Ontario, Canada, and Doe Run, Meade County, Kentucky, USA.

Diet

. Predatory feeding habits confirmed; prey includes other aquatic insects such as Hydropsyche .

Behavior

Nymphs exhibit substrate selection influenced by risk; in the presence of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), nymphs select more specifically for larger substrate particles where predation risk is reduced. Distribution is significantly influenced by interactive effects of current speed and substrate composition.

Ecological Role

nymph; functions as a in aquatic .