Stonefly (Austroperla)

Taxonomic group

Austroperlidae: Austroperla

Diagnostic features

Austroperla stonefly nymphs are easily recognised by the presence of three tubular gills between the cerci (“tails”).

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

[Austroperla]. Three tubular gills between the two cerci. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Austroperla. Three tubular gills between the two cerci. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Austroperla nymphs are common in cold water streams with stony or gravelly beds, often in bush covered areas.

Feeding

They feed on a range of organic matter including decomposing wood and leaves, algae and other microscopic organisms in streambed biofilms.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 9
Soft bottom: 8.4

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

An abundance of Austroperla suggests good habitat and water quality conditions, especially if other mayfly or stonefly groups are abundant. They have tolerance values of 9 (hard bottom sites) and 8.4 (soft bottom sites).