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 Major Groups | Insecta (insects) | Plecoptera (stoneflies) | Notonemouridae
 

Notonemouridae

Major Group: Insecta
Order: Plecoptera  
Family: Notonemouridae

Descriptive Features:

  • abdomen slim
  • abdominal segments 2–9 clearly divided into tergum and sternum
  • no gills visible
  • 2 long, segmented caudal filaments
  • Notonemoura and Kimminsoperla species with very large hind femora
  • Total length: 5 - 12 mm
  •  

    Austrocerca tasmanica

    Taxonomic Checklist: Genera
    Austrocerca (2 species)
    Austrocercella (15 species)
    Austroceroides (5 species)
    Kimminsoperla (7 species)
    Notonemoura (2 species)
    Tasmanocera bifasciata Kimmins 

    Distribution: SE SA, Tas, Vic, NSW, E Qld

    Sensitivity Rating: SIGNAL grade 6

    Functional Feeding Group: scrapers, shredders, predators

     

    Derwent River, Tas

    Ecology: Instream habitat: Notonemourid nymphs typically occur in cool, high altitude, lakes and rivers. Nymphs of Kimminsoperla and Notonemoura, however tend to live in seepages and springs on submerged rocks.
    Feeding ecology: Notonemourid nymphs are generally herbivores and detritivores; however Austrocerca tasmanica has been known to attack and eat other insects in laboratory tanks.
    Habit: Nymphs have enlarged hind femora and are able to climb on vertical surfaces, even against the water flow.
    Life history: Typically females lay ovoid eggs with a sticky coating in crevices of logs and rocks. Austrocerca tasmanica is the only species which produces eggs that hatch inside the adult. Notonemouridae species generally have an annual life cycle.

     

    Information Sources: Hynes 1989, Williams 1980, Michaelis & Yule 1997, Yule 1997
    Key to Genera: Yule 1997 (NSW, NVic), Hynes 1989 (Tas, incomplete), Hynes 1978 (Vic, incomplete)
    Key to Species: Yule 1997 (NSW, NVic), Hynes 1989 (Tas, incomplete), Hynes 1978 (Vic, incomplete)