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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Stoneflies (Plecoptera) » Giant Stoneflies (Pteronarcyidae) » Giant Stoneflies (Pteronarcys)
Photo#14502
unknown bug - Pteronarcys
Copyright © 2005 Jimmy Hays

unknown bug - Pteronarcys
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, USA
April 4, 2005
Size: 2-3 inches
this bug was on my couch and scared my wife, wanted to know what it was. Not seen anything quite like it.
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Contributed by Jimmy Hays on 7 April, 2005 - 10:01pm
Last updated 31 March, 2007 - 4:03pm

Moved
Moved from Giant Stoneflies.

The only other genus, Pteronarcella, is only found west of the Rockies
… Chuck Entz, 31 March, 2007 - 4:03pm login or register to post comments

Stonefly
It's a stonefly, I believe, Order Plecoptera. I don't know enough about these to tell you anything more specific, but I'm sure someone else here at bugguide probably can. These are mostly noted for their predaceous aquatic nymphs (aka naiads). I've read that the adults are very poor fliers and prefer to run away when disturbed.
… Richard Leung, 7 April, 2005 - 10:24pm login or register to post comments

 
It is
Looks very much like a member of Pteronarcyidae (about ten US species). The size, many cross veins in the wing, and the front edge of the thorax are suggestive. I also think a bit of red is visible on the head and thorax. In the west, these are commonly referred to as Salmon Flies.
… Kerry S. Matz, 9 April, 2005 - 7:25pm login or register to post comments

 
Giant Stonefly
I agree. The two or more rows of cross veins in the anal area of the forewing (which is adjacent to the thorax in the photo) is a diagnostic feature of Pterynarcyidae. Image moved from Plecoptera page to new family page.
… Robin McLeod, 20 February, 2006 - 11:59pm login or register to post comments

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