Stonefly (Acroperla)

Taxonomic group

Gripopterygidae: Acroperla

Diagnostic features

Acroperla stonefly nymphs are relatively small, with a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). They have pale spots on the legs and pale triangular markings along the top of the abdominal segments.

[Acroperla]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Acroperla. Image: Stephen Moore

[Acroperla]. Pale abdominal markings and anal gills. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Acroperla. Pale abdominal markings and anal gills. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Acroperla nymphs are common in many streams with gravelly beds or abundant woody debris, in bush covered and farmland areas.

Feeding

They are thought to be “collector-gatherers”, feeding on a range of organic matter accumulating on stream beds.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 5
Soft bottom: 5.1

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Acroperla nymphs are found in streams of moderate to good water quality and are not thought to be among the most “sensitive” stoneflies. They have tolerance values of 5 (hard bottom sites) and 5.1 (soft bottom sites).