Stonefly (Nesoperla)

Taxonomic group

Gripopterygidae: Nesoperla

Diagnostic features

Nesoperla stonefly nymphs are among the gripopterygids that have a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). The abdominal segments have distinct pale diagonal markings on the upper surface.

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

[Nesoperla]. Abdomen with pale diagonal markings. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Nesoperla. Abdomen with pale diagonal markings. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Nesoperla are among the less commonly recorded stoneflies. They are only semi aquatic and can be found in stony streams or in their floodplains.

Feeding

They may feed on stream biofilms, and plant detritus from within and outside of the stream.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 5
Soft bottom: 5.7

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

Nesoperla nymphs are infrequently recorded and we have limited knowledge of their indicator value. They have mid-range tolerance values of 5 (hard bottom sites) and 5.7 (soft bottom sites).