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Plecoptera - stoneflies
Stonefly

Stonefly
Perlidae
3/4 in.
Stoneflies are from ½- to 2-inches long and have four heavily veined wings. The hind pair folds like a fan (have plaits) and is usually much larger than the front pair. Stoneflies have chewing mouthparts, but many of the adults do not feed. Metamorphosis is gradual. The Plecoptera have long antennae and a pair of relatively long appendage at the tip of the abdomen (cerci).

The growing stage (nymph) lives under stones in rapidly running streams. The adults usually are found resting on plants or trees or on stones near streams.


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