Larva ID Tips: Stoneflies

Stonefly larvae are flattened and have 2 “tails” or cerci. If gills are present, they are on the underside of the head or thorax. If gills are present on the abdomen, they are only on the first 2-3 segments in the majority of species.

Figure 8.8: Stonefly larva. Image from URL: http://www.troutnut.com/specimen/688

Figure 8.D: Stonefly larva.
Image from URL: http://www.troutnut.com/specimen/688

Figure 8.9: Underside of stonefly larva. Note the gills between the legs and on the first few segments of the abdomen. Image from URL: http://www.troutnut.com/specimen/688

Figure 8.E: Underside of stonefly larva. Note the gills between the legs and on the first few segments of the abdomen.
Image from URL: http://www.troutnut.com/specimen/688

Figure 8.10: Some stonefly larvae crawl out of the water and onto stones, logs or emergent vegetation when they are ready to molt to the adult stage. Image from URL: : http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/13/Insect-Plecoptera-Stoneflies

Figure 8.F: Some stonefly larvae crawl out of the water and onto stones, logs or emergent vegetation when they are ready to molt to the adult stage.
Image from URL: : http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/13/Insect-Plecoptera-Stoneflies

For more images of stoneflies, visit TroutNut.com.

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The MSP project is funded by an ESEA, Title II Part B Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. MSP was developed by the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program and faculty from Montana Tech of The University of Montana and Montana State University, with support from other Montana University System Faculty.