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Plecoptera

Common name:

Stoneflies

Distribution:

Every continent except Antarctica

Habitat:

Aquatic habitats with high oxygen concentration such as ponds or lakes

Diet:

Nymphs feed on dead vegetation, algae or macroinvertebrates; some adults feed on vegetation but some species do not feed

Number of species globally

3500

Number of species in Hong Kong :

10

Morphology
(how to recognize them) :

-Long segmented antennae
-Robust legs that end in 2 claws
-Paired cerci (appendages at the rear most segment) at the end of their abdomen
-Two pairs of membranous wings with complex venation
-Nymphs look like wingless adults with external gills behind the head

Diagram

Did you know ?

Stoneflies are very sensitive to water pollution and can be used as important indicators for water quality. Similar to Mayflies, their adult phase is primarily for mating and dies quickly.

Gallery

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