|
Pteronarcids are among the largest of the aquatic macroinvertebrates, and Pteronarcys is the largest stonefly in North America. They can be very abundant, as residents along the Deschutes River often attest during mass emergences of the 2" long Pteronarcys californica. At the same time, these are the gentle giants of the stoneflies, eating mostly leaves and detritus.
Giant stoneflies can be distinguished from other stoneflies by the presence of clusters of finger-like gills on the underside of at least the first two abdominal segments and on the thorax. |
|
Size: large to xlarge
Identifying feature(s): clusters of finger-like gills on
the underside of the first 2 abdominal segments
Habitat: larger, often open streams and rivers; flowing
waters where organic material accumulates
Tolerance to pollutants: sensitive to moderate |
Taxa uncommon in wetlands 
Plecoptera
