Stonefly (Halticoperla)

Taxonomic group

Notonemouridae: Halticoperla

Diagnostic features

Halticoperla stonefly nymphs have no gills between the cerci (“tails”), a more rounded pronotum (first segment behind the head) than other stoneflies, and the hind legs are much broader than the fore legs.

[Halticoperla]. Hind leg broader than fore leg. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Halticoperla. Hind leg broader than fore leg. Image: Stephen Moore

[Halticoperla]. Rounded pronotum. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Halticoperla. Rounded pronotum. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Halticoperla nymphs are rarely recorded compared with other New Zealand stoneflies. Most records are from cold water, South Island streams.

Feeding

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

Indicator value

Halticoperla nymphs are most likely to occur in streams with good water quality. No tolerance values have been assigned to this genus.