Pteronarcys californica
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| Pteronarcys californica | ||||||||||||||||||
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 Adult Pteronarcys californica
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| Pteronarcys californica Newport, 1848 |
Pteronarcys californica (Newport), the giant stonefly commonly called Salmonflies, are an aquatic species of the genera Pteronarcyidae.
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[edit] Characteristics
Pteronarcys nymphs, or Larvae, can grow to lengths in excess of five centimetres. The nymphs' dorsal side (back) are dark in color, although their ventral side (belly) is lighter. The coloring can vary, and subtle patterns are occasionally found on the abdomen. They are allothonous (detritus) feeders, eating stream debris partially broken down by other organisms. Their feeding technique has earned them the name of "shredders". The adults are also large, and the abdomen, leg joints, and several thorax joints are a bright orange color (see photos). Two pairs of large wings, kept flat against the body when at rest, are nearly as long as the body.
[edit] Range and Habitat
Pteronarcys are found across western North America,[1] from British Columbia to California.[2] They live in higher-velocity streams and rivers, on medium to large-sized unconsolidated substrates.[3]
[edit] Emergence
The nymphs live three to four years in the water berore emergence. Immediately prior to emerging, the nymphs congregate near the shoreline[4] in shallow water on partially exposed rocks. To emerge, the nymphs crawl from the water to rocks or the shore, and split the nymphal exoskeleton. The adults emerge from the exuviae ready to mate. The emergence is also followed closely by fly-fishermen, and is one of the highlights of the spring fishing season.
 Pteronarcys californica nymph |
 Adult Pteronarcys californica |
 Adult Pteronarcys californica |
[edit] References
- ^ Stoneflies: Plecoptera - Giant Salmonfly (pteronarcys Californica): Species Account. Retrieved on 2008-03-31.
- ^ Jewett, Stanley G. Jr. "Plecoptera." In Aquatic Insects of California, edited by Robert L. Usinger, 155-181, Berkeley, University of Nebraska Press.
- ^ Elder, John A., Arden R.Gaufin.1973. Notes On the Occurrence and Distribution of Pteronarcys californica Newport (Plecoptera) Within Streams. Great Basin Naturalist 33:218-220.
- ^ Elder, John A., Arden R.Gaufin.1973. Notes On the Occurrence and Distribution of Pteronarcys californica Newport (Plecoptera) Within Streams. Great Basin Naturalist 33:218-220.
