Pteronarcys californica

Pteronarcys californica
Adult Pteronarcys californica

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Plecoptera
Suborder: Systellognatha
Family: Pteronarcyidae
Genus: Pteronarcys
Newman, 1838
Species: P. californica
Binomial name
Pteronarcys californica
Newport, 1848

Pteronarcys californica is a species of insect in the family Pteronarcyidae, the giant stoneflies and salmonflies. It is known commonly as the giant salmonfly.[1]

Characteristics

P. californica nymphs, or larvae, can grow to lengths in excess of 5 centimetres (2 in). 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 detritivores, eating stream debris partially broken down by other organisms. They are "shredders" as a functional feeding group, breaking down large bits of detritus into smaller while feeding.[2] The adults are also large, and the abdomen, leg joints, and several thorax joints are a bright orange color. Two pairs of large wings, kept flat against the body when at rest, are nearly as long as the body.

Range and habitat

P. californica is found across western North America, from British Columbia to California.[3] They live in higher-velocity streams and rivers, on medium to large-sized unconsolidated substrates.[4]

Emergence

The nymphs live three to four years in the water before emergence. Immediately prior to emerging, the nymphs congregate near the shoreline[4] 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

  1. ↑ Pteronarcys californica. NatureServe Explorer. Version 7.1. Accessed 16 January 2016.
  2. ↑ Giant Salmonfly - Pteronarcys californica. Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  3. ↑ Jewett, S. G., Jr. "Plecoptera." In: Aquatic Insects of California, Usinger, R. L. (Ed.) 155-181, Berkeley, University of Nebraska Press.
  4. 1 2 Elder, J. A. and Gaufin, A. R. 1973. Notes on the occurrence and distribution of Pteronarcys californica Newport (Plecoptera) within streams. Great Basin Naturalist 33:218-220.

Further reading

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