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These large stoneflies may take 2-3 years to complete their life cycle; despite their rather fearsone appearance, they are generally consumers of decaying plant material, although they may occasionally scrape algae from rocks, and in their final larval stages, may prey upon small invertebrates. In general, stoneflies prefer cool, clear, flowing water, and are intolerant of organic pollution, reduced oxygen levels, or elevated temperatures. Pteronarcys is especially sensitive to insectides, including DDT and malathion. The Pteronarcyidae are characterized by having tufts of filamentous gills on each of the thoracic segments, as well as on the sides of adominal segments 1 and 2. At maturity, they may be as long as 5 cm. Adults and larvae look very much alike. These are hemimetabolous insects, and the naiads may pass through as many as 40 moults before reaching maturity.
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