Plecoptera are an order of insects, commonly known as stoneflies. There are some 1,700 recorded species worldwide.

The nymphs are aquatic and live in the benthic littoral zone of lakes and streams. Nymphs of this order are primarily hunters of other aquatic arthropods or shredder/gatherers. They undergo many molts as aquatic nymphs (10 instars?) before emerging and becoming terrestrial as adults. The name comes from the greek pleikein, braided, and ptera, wings. They possess two pairs of wings which are membranous and fold flat over the back. Both nymphs and adults have long paired cerci, or tails, projecting from the tip of their abdomens.

A wingless species called Capnia lacustra is unique since it is the only known insect that is fully aquatic from birth to death.

External links

• Tree of Life project page

Insects | Plecoptera

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