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Giant Stonefly
Pteronarcys sp
37.4087, -121.409
Field Notes
Description:
These insects have an incomplete development, meaning there is no pupa stage. They grow from eggs dropped in creeks and rivers by the female, and then hatch to aquatic nymph stage and emerge and shed to an adult stage. As a nymph they are mostly carnivorous and as adults they feed on soft vegetation like leave buds. Their life span varies on species.
The Stone fly has two sets of wings that fold flat on their backs. Compound eyes and ocelli (little eyes). Six legs and a pair of cerci on the rear of the abdomen.
Habitat:
Found from a creek during the summer was barely moving. After so much rain this winter the water is moving faster to create better oxygenated water.
Notes:
These are favored by trout next to Mayfly species.
I learned a new species thanks to Heather.
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