Giant Stoneflies
Pteronarcyidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Plecoptera
- Superfamily: Pteronarcyoidea
- Family: Pteronarcyidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pteronarcyidae: //ˌtɛɹoʊˈnɑːsɪˌaɪdiː//
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Summary
Pteronarcyidae, or giant stoneflies, are a family of large stoneflies comprising two genera found in North America and Asia. They thrive in cool, clean freshwater habitats and play a vital ecological role as shredders and in diets of larger fish.
Physical Characteristics
Adult body length ranges from 25 to 60 mm.
Identification Tips
Adults can be identified by their large size and nocturnal behavior, often attracted to light.
Habitat
Live in lotic-erosional habitats; larvae inhabit cool streams of small to medium size, preferring swift riffles between cobbles and boulders.
Distribution
Found in most of Asia and all of North America.
Diet
Nymphs feed on aquatic plants, while adults do not feed.
Life Cycle
Lifespans range from one to four years; adults emerge from April to June.
Ecosystem Role
Play an important role in the diets of salmon and are significant in fly fishing.
Economic Impact
Important for recreational fishing; contributes to the fishing economy.
Cultural Significance
The name 'salmonflies' reflects their role in the diets of salmon and their importance to fishing culture.
Evolution
A fossil genus, Pteroliriope, is known from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, China.
Tags
- Giant Stoneflies
- Pteronarcyidae
- Salmonflies
- Freshwater Insects