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Stonefly

Guide to New Zealand's freshwater invertebrates

Stonefly ( Gripopterygidae : Taraperla )

Lobes on thoracic segments
Spines on thoracic segments

Diagnostic features

Taraperla stonefly nymphs are relatively small, with a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). The posterior edges of the thoracic segments are extended to form lobes or spines (depending on the species).

Typical habitats

Taraperla nymphs can be found in cold water stony streams, both above and below the water surface.

Feeding

They are thought to be “collector-gatherers”, feeding on a range of organic matter accumulating on stream beds.

Indicator value

Taraperla nymphs are usually found in streams with good water quality, though they are rarely found in abundance. They have tolerance values of 7 (hard bottom sites) and 8.3 (soft bottom sites).