Yoraperla nigrisoma
(Banks, 1948)
Black Roachfly
Yoraperla nigrisoma, commonly known as the black roachfly, is a of in the Peltoperlidae. The species was first described by Banks in 1948 under the basionym Peltoperla nigrisoma. It is to western North America, with documented occurrences in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of Peltoperlidae, it exhibits a dorsoventrally flattened body form that resembles certain species, hence the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Yoraperla nigrisoma: /jɔˈɹæpɚlə nɪɡˈɹaɪsoʊmə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other western North American stoneflies by the combination of: (1) dorsoventrally flattened body form typical of Peltoperlidae, (2) dark/black body coloration consistent with the name, and (3) geographic restriction to Pacific states. Separation from congeneric species requires examination of detailed genitalic structures not covered in general sources.
Images
Appearance
Body dorsoventrally flattened, giving a roach-like appearance characteristic of the Peltoperlidae. Coloration includes dark (black) body tones as indicated by the specific epithet "nigrisoma" (meaning "black body"). Detailed morphological descriptions of and nymphal stages are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with freshwater lotic environments typical of Plecoptera. Specific microhabitat preferences for Y. nigrisoma are not documented, though Peltoperlidae nymphs generally inhabit rocky substrates in streams and rivers where they feed as .
Distribution
Western North America: documented from California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Life Cycle
Hemimetabolous development typical of Plecoptera, with aquatic nymphal stages and terrestrial . Specific timing for this is not documented.
Ecological Role
As a member of Peltoperlidae, likely functions as a in stream , processing coarse particulate organic matter such as leaf litter. This ecological role is inferred from -level characteristics but has not been directly documented for this .
Human Relevance
No documented direct interactions with humans. The is rarely encountered, with only 3 observations recorded in iNaturalist as of data compilation.
Similar Taxa
- Other Yoraperla speciesCongeneric share the flattened roach-like body form and occur in western North America; require genitalic examination for definitive separation.
- Other Peltoperlidae genera members share the characteristic dorsoventrally flattened body; distinguished by -specific morphological features including wing venation and body proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Peltoperla nigrisoma by Banks in 1948, later transferred to the Yoraperla. The genus Yoraperla was established to accommodate previously placed in Peltoperla that show distinct morphological differences.
Data Deficiency
This is poorly represented in biodiversity databases and citizen science platforms, suggesting either genuine rarity, cryptic habits, or under-sampling of its preferred . The low observation count (3 iNaturalist records) limits ecological understanding.