Stone
Fly
By
Kenny S.
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class:
Hexapoda
Order: Plecoptera
What
color is it?
Dark brown and tan
How tall is it?
6-12 mm
How wide is it?
1-3 mm
What
color is it?
Dark brown and tan
Description:
Six jointed legs on the thorax
Two hair-like tails
Two long antennae
Gills often located on or behind each leg
Two claws on the end of each leg
Mature Body Size: 5-50 mm
Facts:
Larvae are known as nymphs
Species
in US: About 500
Water
Needs: Cool, clean streams; high levels of dissolved oxygen
Life
cycle: 3 months to 3 years
Food:
Some are predators; others eat fungi and bacteria from rotting leaves
Families
found in South Branch:
FUN
FACT:
If a
stone fly is placed in water which has a low dissolved oxygen content it will do
"push-ups" trying to breathe.
Stonefly nymphs are
structurally similar to mayfly nymphs, except that stonefly nymphs have two
tails instead of three. They also appear somewhat less fragile than mayflies,
because they possess a more rigid-looking exterior. They are often yellowish and
brown or black in color and may be brilliantly patterned.
The Brown Stone Fly is one of many species of stone Flies. It is most
commonly found in slow moving streams and ditches.