|Introduction
|Identification Key
|
Order Plecoptera
(Stoneflies)
All stoneflies inhabit freshwater as nymphs. The majority of the 500
North American species are restricted to cool, highly oxygenated waters
and thus are good indicators of water quality. Stoneflies undergo incomplete
metamorphosis, and nymphs may pass through as many as 22 larval instars
before emerging as adults. Many species are adapted for emergence during
winter months.
Examples of common stoneflies: