Pteronarcys californica

Taxobox
name = "Pteronarcys californica"


image_width = 250px
image_caption = Adult "Pteronarcys californica"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
infraclassis = Neoptera
ordo = Plecoptera
subordo = Systellognatha
familia = Pteronarcyidae
genus = "Pteronarcys"
genus_authority = Newman, 1838
species = "P. californica"
binomial = "Pteronarcys californica"
binomial_authority = Newport, 1848

" Pteronarcys californica " (Newport), the giant stonefly commonly called Salmonflies, are an aquatic species of the genera Pteronarcyidae.

Characteristics

Pteronarcys nymphs, or larvae, can grow to lengths in excess of five centimetres. The nymphs' dorsal side (back) is dark in color, although their ventral side (belly) is lighter. The coloring can vary, and subtle patterns are occasionally found on the abdomen. They are allothonous (detritus) feeders, eating stream debris partially broken down by other organisms. Their feeding technique has earned them the name of "shredders". The adults are also large, and the abdomen, leg joints, and several thorax joints are a bright orange color (see photos). Two pairs of large wings, kept flat against the body when at rest, are nearly as long as the body.

Range and Habitat

Pteronarcys are found across western North America, [cite web |url=http://animals.jrank.org/pages/2323/Stoneflies-Plecoptera-GIANT-SALMONFLY-Pteronarcys-californica-SPECIES-ACCOUNT.html |title=Stoneflies: Plecoptera - Giant Salmonfly (pteronarcys Californica): Species Account |accessdate=2008-03-31 |format= |work= ] from British Columbia to California. [Jewett, Stanley G. Jr. "Plecoptera." In "Aquatic Insects of California", edited by Robert L. Usinger, 155-181, Berkeley, University of Nebraska Press.] They live in higher-velocity streams and rivers, on medium to large-sized unconsolidated substrates. [Elder, John A., Arden R.Gaufin.1973. Notes On the Occurrence and Distribution of "Pteronarcys californica" Newport (Plecoptera) Within Streams. "Great Basin Naturalist" 33:218-220.]

Emergence

The nymphs live three to four years in the water berore emergence. Immediately prior to emerging, the nymphs congregate near the shoreline [Elder, John A., Arden R.Gaufin.1973. Notes On the Occurrence and Distribution of "Pteronarcys californica" Newport (Plecoptera) Within Streams. "Great Basin Naturalist" 33:218-220.] in shallow water on partially exposed rocks. To emerge, the nymphs crawl from the water to rocks or the shore, and split the nymphal exoskeleton. The adults emerge from the exuviae ready to mate. The emergence is also followed closely by fly-fishermen, and is one of the highlights of the spring fishing season.

References