Stonefly
Guides
Acroneuria abnormis
Common Stone
Acroneuria abnormis, commonly known as the common stone, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is widely distributed across North America. The species is notable for its drumming behavior during mating, which produces species-specific vibrational signals used for identification and mate recognition.
Acroneuria arenosa
Eastern Stone
Acroneuria arenosa, commonly known as the eastern stone, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It was first described by Pictet in 1841 under the basionym Perla arenosa. This species belongs to the order Plecoptera and is part of the diverse stonefly fauna of North America. Stoneflies in the genus Acroneuria are generally considered predatory and are indicators of good water quality.
Acroneuria carolinensis
Carolina Stone
Acroneuria carolinensis, commonly known as the Carolina stone, is a predatory stonefly in the family Perlidae. It has a univoltine life cycle with emergence from late May through mid-July. Nymphs undergo an ontogenetic habitat shift, moving from leaf packs in slow water as small instars to cobble substrates in riffles as they grow larger. Adults are short-lived, do not feed, and are attracted to lights. The species functions as a top invertebrate predator in stream ecosystems.
Acroneuria evoluta
Constricted Stone
Acroneuria evoluta, commonly known as the constricted stone, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae. The species was described by Klapálek in 1909. It is distributed across parts of the eastern and central United States.
Acroneuriinae
Acroneuriinae is a subfamily of stoneflies within the family Perlidae, comprising approximately 32 genera and 520 described species. Members are aquatic insects whose larvae inhabit freshwater environments. The subfamily has been the subject of recent mitogenomic research, including the first documented gene rearrangements in the order Plecoptera.
Agnetina annulipes
southern stone
Agnetina annulipes, commonly known as the southern stone, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is one of the larger stonefly species in eastern North America. The species was originally described as Perla annulipes by Hagen in 1861 before being transferred to the genus Agnetina. It is primarily found in the southeastern United States.
Agnetina capitata
Northern Stone
Agnetina capitata, commonly known as the northern stone, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae. It occurs in North America, with records from eastern Canada and multiple U.S. states including Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, and Illinois. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is associated with aquatic habitats during its immature stages. The species was originally described as Perla capitata by Pictet in 1841.
Agnetina flavescens
Midwestern Stone
Agnetina flavescens, commonly known as the midwestern stone, is a stonefly species in the family Perlidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in several midwestern and southeastern US states. As a member of the common stoneflies, it inhabits freshwater systems where its aquatic nymphs develop. The species was originally described as Perla flavescens by Walsh in 1862 before being transferred to the genus Agnetina.
Allocapnia rickeri
Midwest Snowfly
Allocapnia rickeri is a small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae, commonly known as the Midwest Snowfly. It is one of numerous small, dark stoneflies in the genus Allocapnia that emerge during cold months when few other insects are active. The species has been documented across the central and eastern United States. Like other capniids, it is associated with clean, cold streams and is an important indicator of water quality.
winter-stoneflybioindicatorcoldwaterPlecopteraCapniidaeAllocapnialoticemergencebrachypteryapterygenitalia-identificationFrison-1942Midwestsoutheastern-USclean-water-indicatorJanuary-Marchsmall-stoneflywingless-femalestream-insectshreddergathererseasonal-resourcewater-qualityaquatic-insectterrestrial-adultshort-lived-adultovipositionsubmerged-eggshigh-dissolved-oxygenlow-temperaturecentral-USeastern-USAlabamaArkansasDelawareGeorgiaIllinoishexapodhemimetabolousEuholognathaNemouroideaArctoperlariaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeiNaturalistNCBItaxonomyaccepted-species1942FrisonRickerMidwest-Snowflysnowflysmall-dark-stoneflyclean-streamsriverswell-oxygenatedlotic-habitatcold-monthswinter-activitywing-reductionfemale-apterymale-flightepiproctparaproctterminaliataxonomic-revisioncongenersdistribution-recordsobservations9-observationseukaryotemetazoanarthropodinsectstoneflywinter-emergingJanuaryFebruaryMarchcold-weathernear-freezingbelow-freezingwater-surfacesubmerged-substratesallochthonous-organic-materialstream-ecosystemsseasonal-food-resourceinsectivorous-birdspredatorsscarce-preyunpollutedno-economic-importancestream-monitoringwater-quality-indicatorhigh-quality-coldwatermicroscopic-examinationtaxonomic-keysmale-terminaliareliable-separationgenitalic-examinationoverlapping-distributionsimilar-habitatsmall-sizeunder-10-mmbody-lengthreduced-wingsabsent-wingsfully-developed-wingsspecific-identificationpublished-descriptionsillustrationssubsequent-revisionscharacteristicfamily-Capniidaecommon-nameextended-nymphal-periodone-to-two-yearsshort-liveddoes-not-feedaquatic-nymphclean-cold-streamslow-temperaturesyear-roundwinter-monthsJanuary-through-Marchfamilycentered-Midwestextends-southeasternUnited-Statesdocumentedappearsmost-reliablydistinguishedsubtle-differencesterminal-abdominal-structuresshould-be-comparedagainstpublishedsubsequentgenus-levelcharacterizedreducedabsentfemalesfully-developedmalesrequires-examinationmale-genitaliastructureparaproctsreliableseparationoverlapssimilarmanyexternallydefinitivereliesmicroscopicexaminationcomparisonkeysusedbiologicalindicatorprogramspresenceindicatescoldconditionsno-directeconomicimportanceshreddersgatherersprocessingallochthonousorganicmaterialstreamecosystemsseasonalfoodresourceinsectivorousbirdsotherwhenalternativepreyscarceserveshigh-qualityhabitatsdevelopmentaquaticnymphalstagesterrestrialadultstagenymphsdevelopstreamsextendedperiodlikelyonetwoyearsbasedrelatedspeciesadultsdo-notfeedactiveduringweatherairtemperaturesmaynearbelowfreezingwingedcapableflightwinglessshort-wingedremainwatersurfacematingoccurwinterenteringdepositeggssubmergedsubstratessmallcommonlyknownnumerousdarkemergefewinsectscentraleasternassociatedcleanimportantundermmbodylengthmembersgenuswingspossessfullydevelopedspecificidentificationlevelwithinrequiresmalegenitaliaparticularlymostreliablysubtledifferencestheseterminalabdominalstructuresshouldcompareddescriptionstaxonomicrevisionswinter-emergingmaintainlowhighdissolvedoxygenlevelsthroughoutyearUnitedStatesdistributioncenteredextendssoutheasternmonthstypicallythroughthisactivitygivesrisecommonnamedonotprovidesqualitymonitoringnodirecthabitatmorphologysizegenitalicAlloperla
Alloperla is a genus of stoneflies in the family Chloroperlidae. Species within this genus inhabit running water environments, including the hyporheic zones of gravel-bed rivers. Some species exhibit extended larval development periods and specialized feeding habits. The genus has a broad distribution across the Holarctic region.
Alloperla concolor
Duckhead Sallfly
Alloperla concolor, commonly known as the duckhead sallfly, is a species of green stonefly in the family Chloroperlidae. It was described by Ricker in 1936 and is native to North America. The species belongs to a family whose members are typically predatory as nymphs and are indicators of clean, well-oxygenated aquatic environments.
Amphinemura wui
spiked forestfly
Amphinemura wui, commonly known as the spiked forestfly, is a species of spring stonefly in the family Nemouridae. It is a small, non-venomous insect belonging to the order Plecoptera. The species was described by Claassen in 1936. It is found in North America, with records from several eastern and southeastern U.S. states.
Attaneuria ruralis
Giant Stone, Enigmatic Stone
Attaneuria ruralis, commonly known as the Giant Stone or Enigmatic Stone, is a stonefly species in the family Perlidae. It was historically documented from larger rivers in Ohio but has not been collected in the last 50-60 years, raising concerns about local extinction. The species possesses a long life cycle of 1-2 years, which increases its vulnerability to population loss. Its distribution extends across the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Calineuria
common stoneflies
Calineuria is a genus of stoneflies in the family Perlidae, established by Ricker in 1954. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed across western North America and East Asia. Species such as Calineuria californica have been subjects of life history studies in stream environments. The genus was taxonomically revised from previously broader classifications, with C. californica formerly placed in Acroneuria.
Capnia lineata
Straight Snowfly
Capnia lineata is a species of small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae. It is known from scattered records in western North America, including California and Idaho. As a member of the Capniidae, it belongs to a group commonly called "small winter stoneflies" or "snowflies" that are typically active during cold months. The species was described by Hanson in 1943. Very little detailed biological information has been published specifically for this species.
Capnia zukeli
Idaho snowfly
Capnia zukeli, known as the Idaho snowfly, is a small winter stonefly species in the family Capniidae. It was described by Hanson in 1943. The species is known from Idaho and the broader Nearctic region of North America. As a member of Capniidae, it belongs to a group of cold-adapted stoneflies active during winter months.
Capnura
small winter stoneflies
Capnura is a genus of small winter stoneflies in the family Capniidae, established by Banks in 1900. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed primarily in North America. These stoneflies are part of the winter-emerging group of Plecoptera, with adults typically active during cold months when most other insects are inactive.
Chloroperlidae
Green Stoneflies, Green Sallies, Yellow Sallies, Yellow Sallflies
Chloroperlidae is a family of stoneflies comprising over 200 species across 22 genera, commonly known as green stoneflies for their characteristic yellowish-green to green coloration. Adults range from 6–20 mm in body length and are distinguished by relatively short cerci, slender labial palps, and wings pads that remain parallel to the body midline. The family exhibits hemimetabolous development with egg, nymph, and adult stages but no pupal stage. Nymphs are aquatic inhabitants of cold, clean streams and rivers across five continents, where their sensitivity to pollutants makes them important bioindicators of water quality. Adults are primarily terrestrial, dwelling in riparian vegetation near water bodies with a brief lifespan focused on reproduction.
Chloroperlinae
Chloroperlinae is a subfamily of stoneflies within the family Chloroperlidae, established by Okamoto in 1912. Members are commonly known as green stoneflies due to their characteristic coloration. The subfamily occurs across multiple continents in cold freshwater habitats. Adults emerge from aquatic environments to inhabit riparian zones.
Claassenia sabulosa
Shortwing Stonefly, short-wing stone
Claassenia sabulosa, commonly known as the shortwing stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is found in North America, with documented populations in the western United States including Colorado, as well as Canada. The species has been studied for its life cycle dynamics in Colorado streams and its adult mate-finding behaviors.
Clioperla clio
Clio Stripetail
Clioperla clio is a species of green-winged stonefly and the sole member of the monotypic genus Clioperla. It belongs to the family Perlodidae, a group of predatory stoneflies commonly known as stripetails. The species is endemic to the Nearctic region and has been documented across the eastern and southeastern United States. Like other perlodids, it is associated with freshwater habitats during its immature stages.
Cosumnoperla
Cosumnoperla is a genus of stoneflies in the family Perlodidae, established by Szczytko & Bottorff in 1987. It is classified within the subfamily Isoperlinae and is endemic to California. The genus represents a small group of western Nearctic perlodid stoneflies.
Cultus
Cultus is a genus of stoneflies in the family Perlodidae, established by Ricker in 1952. The genus belongs to the tribe Diploperlini and is part of the diverse Perlodinae subfamily within the order Plecoptera. Species in this genus are found in western North America.
Cultus verticalis
Spiny Springfly
Cultus verticalis, commonly known as the spiny springfly, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlodidae. The species was first described by Banks in 1920 under the basionym Perla verticalis. It is known from scattered localities in eastern North America, with confirmed records from Georgia, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Québec. As a member of the Perlodidae, it belongs to a family of predatory stoneflies commonly found in cool, well-oxygenated streams.
Despaxia augusta
autumn needlefly, smooth needlefly
Despaxia augusta is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It is commonly known as the autumn needlefly or smooth needlefly. The species was first described by Banks in 1907 under the basionym Leuctra augustus. It is distributed across western North America.
Diploperla
springflies
Diploperla is a genus of springflies (family Perlodidae) comprising five described species found in eastern North America. These stoneflies inhabit stream environments where their nymphs develop as predators in leaf packs and riffle areas. The genus exhibits univoltine life cycles with adult emergence occurring in spring.
Diura
Diura is a genus of stoneflies (Plecoptera) in the family Perlodidae, comprising approximately seven described species distributed across Europe and North America. Species such as Diura nanseni are univoltine, completing their life cycle in one year with nymphal growth primarily during spring months. Nymphs are typically associated with lotic environments and exhibit predatory or grazing feeding habits depending on species.
Doroneuria baumanni
Cascades Stonefly, cascades stone
Doroneuria baumanni, known as the Cascades Stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It was described by Stark & Gaufin in 1974. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Like other Perlidae, it is predatory in its aquatic nymph stage.
Eurekapnia maculata
Spotted Snowfly
Eurekapnia maculata is a species of winter stonefly in the family Capniidae, commonly known as the Spotted Snowfly. It belongs to a group of small stoneflies adapted to cold environments, with adults typically emerging during winter months when temperatures are near freezing. The species is native to North America and shares characteristics typical of the Capniidae family, including reduced wing venation and small body size.
Frisonia
Frisonia is a genus of stoneflies in the family Perlodidae, established by Ricker in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Arcynopterygini within the subfamily Perlodinae. The genus is part of the diverse systellognathan stonefly assemblage, characterized by flexible gill structures and predatory habits in the nymphal stage.
Frisonia picticeps
Painted Springfly
Frisonia picticeps is a species of stonefly in the family Perlodidae, known by the common name Painted Springfly. It was originally described as Arcynopteryx picticeps by Hanson in 1942 before being transferred to the genus Frisonia. The species is distributed in western North America, with records from British Columbia through the Pacific Northwest to California and Nevada. As a member of the tribe Arcynopterygini, it belongs to a group of predatory stoneflies.
Haploperla brevis
Least Sallfly
Haploperla brevis, commonly known as the least sallfly, is a species of green stonefly in the family Chloroperlidae. It is a small plecopteran insect found in North America, with distribution records from Alberta, Alabama, Arkansas, British Columbia, and Connecticut. The species was first described by Nathan Banks in 1895.
Hesperoperla hoguei
Banded Stone
Hesperoperla hoguei is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae, commonly known as the banded stone. It is a member of the subfamily Acroneuriinae, a group of predatory stoneflies often associated with flowing freshwater habitats. The species was described by Baumann and Stark in 1980 and is known from western North America, particularly California. As with other perlid stoneflies, it likely inhabits cool, well-oxygenated streams.
Hesperoperla pacifica
golden stonefly, Golden Stone
Hesperoperla pacifica, commonly known as the golden stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is native to western North America, with documented populations in Colorado streams and broader distribution across Alberta, Arizona, Alaska, British Columbia, and California. The species has been studied for its life history responses to varying flow regimes and serves as an indicator of stream health in its aquatic habitats.
Illiesiella
Illiesiella is a genus of stoneflies in the family Leuctridae, commonly known as needleflies or rolled-winged stoneflies. These small, slender insects inhabit cool, clean freshwater environments. The genus was established to accommodate species previously placed in other leuctrid genera based on distinctive morphological characteristics. Members are found in the Holarctic region, with species distributed across Europe and parts of Asia.
Isogenoides frontalis
Hudsonian springfly
Isogenoides frontalis, known as the Hudsonian springfly, is a stonefly species in the family Perlodidae. It is one of several species in the genus Isogenoides found in North America. The species has been documented in the northern United States and Canada, including Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, and Manitoba. Research on the genus indicates that Isogenoides species exhibit complex vibrational communication (drumming) behaviors and extended egg diapause lasting up to several years.
Isogenoides hansoni
Appalachian springfly
Isogenoides hansoni, known as the Appalachian springfly, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It has been documented in northeastern North America, including the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species communicates through vibrational drumming, a behavior shared with other members of its genus. It was first described by Ricker in 1952.
Isoperla bilineata
Two-lined Stripetail
Isoperla bilineata, commonly known as the two-lined stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. Adults feed on pollen, while larvae are predatory and emerge from water in spring.
Isoperla davisi
Alabama stripetail
Isoperla davisi, commonly known as the Alabama stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. The species was described by James in 1974 and is native to North America, with recorded occurrences in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, and Louisiana. Like other members of the genus Isoperla, it belongs to the subfamily Isoperlinae within the stonefly order Plecoptera.
Isoperla dicala
Sable Stripetail
Isoperla dicala, commonly known as the sable stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1942. The species is found in eastern North America, with documented occurrences in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is associated with freshwater environments.
Isoperla lata
Dark Stripetail
Isoperla lata, commonly known as the dark stripetail, is a green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It is native to North America with documented populations in Labrador, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota. The species inhabits cold-water trout streams where it functions as a predator on other aquatic insects. Research from Wisconsin indicates a slow univoltine life cycle with synchronous spring emergence and temperature-dependent egg development.
Isoperla marmorata
red stripetail
Isoperla marmorata, commonly known as the red stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Needham and Claassen in 1925. The species is found in western North America, with documented occurrences in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Like other perlodid stoneflies, it belongs to the order Plecoptera, an ancient group of aquatic insects with incomplete metamorphosis.
Isoperla montana
Montane Stripetail
Isoperla montana is a stonefly species in the family Perlodidae, commonly known as the montane stripetail. It belongs to the green-winged stonefly subfamily Isoperlinae. The species was first described by Banks in 1898 and is found in North America.
Isoperla namata
Ozark stripetail
Isoperla namata, commonly known as the Ozark stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1942. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri.
Isoperla orata
Colorless Stripetail
Isoperla orata, known as the colorless stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1942. The species has been recorded from scattered locations in eastern and central North America including Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, and New Brunswick. As a member of the genus Isoperla, it belongs to a group of predatory stoneflies commonly referred to as stripetails.
Isoperla pinta
Checkered Stripetail
Isoperla pinta, commonly known as the checkered stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1937. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Idaho. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is an aquatic insect with nymphal stages occurring in freshwater environments.
Isoperla richardsoni
Sterling Stripetail
Isoperla richardsoni, commonly known as the sterling stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1935. The species is found in North America, with records from Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Kentucky.
Isoperla signata
transverse stripetail
Isoperla signata, commonly known as the transverse stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It has been documented in North America, with specific life cycle studies conducted in Central Wisconsin trout streams. The species belongs to the order Plecoptera, which comprises aquatic insects commonly known as stoneflies.
Isoperla similis
Black Stripetail
Isoperla similis, commonly known as the black stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. First described by Hagen in 1861, this stonefly is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, and Massachusetts. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it belongs to a group of aquatic insects whose nymphal stages develop in freshwater environments.
Isoperla sobria
Colorado Stripetail
Isoperla sobria is a species of stonefly in the family Perlodidae, commonly known as the Colorado Stripetail. It is a member of the genus Isoperla, which comprises numerous small to medium-sized predatory stoneflies found in running waters of the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been documented across western North America from Alaska to California. Like other perlodids, its larvae develop in freshwater streams and are indicators of good water quality.