7. Plecoptera

Question 1

Plecoptera

Notonemouridae

Answer 1

Structure
• Small, slender
• Two tails
• Gills absent

Behaviour
• Slowly running or swimming

Habitat
• Under stones, amongst dead leaves
• Fast flowing streams
• Mountain streams and coastal streams

Question 2

Plecoptera

Perlidae

Answer 2

Structure
•	Large, robust
•	Two tails
•	Clearly segmented upper body
•	Gills present

Behaviour
• Slowly running or swimming
• Moves body rhythmically up and down when at rest

Habitat
• Under stones, amongst dead leaves
• Fast flowing streams
• Northern and Eastern half of the country