Other Common Names
Golden Stoneflies, Golden Stones
Numbers
world's largest stonefly family (fifth largest in our area): 2 subfamilies with 84 spp. in 15 genera in our area
(1) [74 in the lower 48 states
(2)] and almost 1000 spp. in 52 genera worldwide
(3)Identification
Adult: variably yellowish to brownish (but not green); anal area of forewing lacks rows of cross veins; ventral surface of thorax with remnants of branched nymphal gills, usually immediately behind bases of legs
Nymph: yellowish to brown with prominent dark pattern on dorsal surface of head and thorax; thoracic segments wider than long, and legs thick, giving a stout-bodied robust appearance; ventral thoracic gills profusely branched; paraglossae extend beyond glossae
"A close-up view of the tip of the abdomen is often the best way to determine genus (and perhaps species). A dorsal view of the terminalia is probably best for males, and a ventral view of the last few abdominal segments is best for females." --Lloyd Gonzales
Range
worldwide (except Australia & parts of Africa); throughout NA
(3)Habitat
nymphs often under large stones in streams and rivers
Season
adults emerge in spring and present April to September
Food
nymphs prey mainly on small aquatic invertebrates; may eat detritus and algae; adults do not feed
See Also
Adult
Pteronarcyidae have two or more cross veins in anal area of forewing, and nymphs have gills on first two abdominal segments as well as thoracic gills. Nymphs of
Chloroperlidae and
Perlodidae have thoracic gills (single or double) not profusely branched.
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 18 February, 2006 - 10:10am
Additional contributions by
ceiseman,
v belovLast updated 8 November, 2011 - 7:42pm