 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A stonefly is not considered a pest andis completely harmless. The scientific name for a stonefly is "Varies". Adult stoneflies have two pairs of wings wich are held together flat and extend beyond the abdomen. The hind wings are much longer than the front. Stoneflies have long appendages (cerci) at the end of the abdomen. Adults and nymphs ( or naiads ) have chewing mouthparts.
Nymphs have elongated bodies with long legs and long antennae. They have only two tails at the end of the abdomen. The gills of stoneflies are found on the thorax and head. The gills are either feathery or fleshy.
Mating takes place on land or on vegetation. Females carry eggs on their abdomen before laying. Egg hatching takes place anywere but out of the water.
Imatures (naiads) are resricted to fresh water. They are usually associated with oxygenated streams or sections of lakes with plenty of wave action. Adults can be found at lights or on stream side vegetation. Naiads can be found on rocks or submerged plant material in well oxygenated streams.
Adults and naiads eat vegetation on the side of the the stream. Some stoneflies are scavengers however and eat othe stoneflies aquatic insects and invertebrates.
|
|
|
|
|
|