Species Details

Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection Read more about this collection »

SeasonalityAdults emerge in early May. IdentificationThis is the largest of Alberta stoneflies. The species is distinguished by its large size (male length = 40 mm; females = 60 mm), and the presence of gills (nymphs) or gill remnants (adults) on all thoracic segments and the first two abdominal segments. Male genitalia have the ninth sternum straight near the tip; the epiproct is large and flattened with its tip expanded. Female subgenital plate is straight, or with two small projections extending just to the edge of the ninth sternite. Nymphal females have the projection on the tenth tergum projected postero-dorsad to a point; nymphal males have the projection extended postero-ventrad with a peg on the caudal surface. Mature male nymphs have a nearly rectangular projection posterad on the ninth abdominal sternum.

Scientific Name Pteronarcys dorsata Seasonality Adults emerge in early May. Identification
This is the largest of Alberta stoneflies. The species is distinguished by its large size (male length = 40 mm; females = 60 mm), and the presence of gills (nymphs) or gill remnants (adults) on all thoracic segments…
This is the largest of Alberta stoneflies. The species is distinguished by its large size (male length = 40 mm; females = 60 mm), and the presence of gills (nymphs) or gill remnants (adults) on all thoracic segments and the first two abdominal segments. Male genitalia have the ninth sternum straight near the tip; the epiproct is large and flattened with its tip expanded. Female subgenital plate is straight, or with two small projections extending just to the edge of the ninth sternite. Nymphal females have the projection on the tenth tergum projected postero-dorsad to a point; nymphal males have the projection extended postero-ventrad with a peg on the caudal surface. Mature male nymphs have a nearly rectangular projection posterad on the ninth abdominal sternum.
Life History
The life cycle is at least two years in Wisconsin, and three years in Saskatchewan. Adult longevity is inversely related to the temperature at which nymphs are maintained. Emergence is greatest at water temperatures…
The life cycle is at least two years in Wisconsin, and three years in Saskatchewan. Adult longevity is inversely related to the temperature at which nymphs are maintained. Emergence is greatest at water temperatures of 15°C. Females reared at 15°C produced, on average, 475 eggs, but at 20°C fecundity declined by approximately 60% (Nebeker, 1971a; Nebeker, 1971b).
Conservation The species is not endangered, but as with all stoneflies, it is sensitive to organic pollution. Diet Info Nymphs are detrivores, feeding on leaves and other vegetable material. Range In Alberta, this species is known from the Saskatchewan River system and from boreal streams. It is common throughout eastern North America and the northern portion of western North America.

Citation

Page Citation for Pteronarcys dorsata

Page Citation

"Species Details - Pteronarcys dorsata, Freshwater Invertebrate Collection." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/5-2134. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Authorship

Name Dosdall, L.
Role species page author

References

Specimen Information

There are 17 specimens of this Species.

16 results plotted on map in 5 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

IN986 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Pembina River Provincial Park Collected ByCorkum, Lynda D. Date Collected1977-10-08

IN3487 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, MacKay River Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1978-05-20

IN3488 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Steepbank River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1976-10-11

IN3489 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-04-19

IN3490 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3491 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3492 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3493 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3494 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3495 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3496 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3497 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-05-26

IN3498 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Athabasca River Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-06-21

IN3499 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Athabasca River Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1977-10-22

IN3500 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dunkirk River Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1978-05-20

IN3501 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1978-07-25

IN3502 - Pteronarcys dorsata

Freshwater Invertebrate Collection

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Muskeg River (Undet.) Collected ByA.O.S.E.R.P. Date Collected1978-07-25