The Plecoptera perlidae, also known as the Common Stonefly, is a Arthropod in the order Plecoptera. It’s family is the Perlidae. (Bugguide.net, 2011) The Perlidae consists of almost 400 species! (Nelson, 1996) Perliadae is the world’s largest Stonefly family. Stoneflies are more vulnerable to extinction than other insect groups as adults tend to be weaker flyers and are unable to disperse into farther ecosystems. (Thorp & Rogers, 2011)
Location:
The Plecoptera perlidae are often found primarily in the northern hemisphere with some species extending down into the southern hemisphere in Africa as well as South America. (Nelson, 1996) Perlidae prefer areas with high concentrations of water, both for regular survival as well as for locations of their larvae.
Habitat:
Tending to prefer mountainous regions, rocky streams and rivers, and locations with high currents. (Nelson, 1996) In northern regions as well as high altitudes Perlidae prefer cold lakes and ponds. (Nelson, 1996) Larvae are found in streams and rivers under rocks and stones. (Bugguide.net, 2011)
Behaviour:
Stoneflies depend on cool and well-oxygenated water for the development of its larvae. Further, they are very susceptible to the abuse of water courses by humans. Even minor pollution can eliminate stoneflies in streams. Clearing of land, fluctuation of water courses, as well as high rises in temperature can eliminate stoneflies from their habitats. (Nelson, 1996) Stoneflies can also serve as indicators of healthy streams and rivers. (Nelson, 1996)
Diet: Larvae primarily prey on small aquatic invertebrates. Algae is also a common food source for young common stoneflies. The adult common stoneflies do not feed. (Bugguide.net, 2011)
Bibliography:
Bugguide.net,. (2011). Family Perlidae – Common Stoneflies – BugGuide.Net. Retrieved 17 November 2014, from http://bugguide.net/node/view/43174
Nelson, C. (1996). Plecoptera. Tolweb.org. Retrieved 17 November 2014, from http://tolweb.org/Plecoptera
Nelson, C. (1996). Perlidae. Tolweb.org. Retrieved 17 November 2014, from http://tolweb.org/Perlidae/13953
Thorp, J., & Rogers, C. (2011). Stoneflies: Insect Order Plecoptera. In Field Guide to Freshwater Invertebrates of North America (1st ed., pp. 199-204). Academic Press.
Written by James Blumhagen
Ring Creek Field Guide 