Austroperlidae


Austroperlidae is a family of stoneflies in the order Plecoptera. There are about 10 genera and 15 described species in Austroperlidae across southern land masses Australia, New Zealand, and South America.Austroperlidae species are unique among stoneflies in having aposematic colouration. For instance, the New Zealand black stonefly Austroperla is a forest dwelling shredder that is toxic to predators due to its production of hydrogen cyanide. The warning colouration of this species is mimicked by several lineages of the unrelated non-toxic New Zealand stonefly Zelandoperla.

Genera

These 10 genera belong to the family Austroperlidae:Acruroperla Illies, 1969Andesobius McLellan, 2001Austroheptura Illies, 1969Austropentura Illies, 1969Austroperla Needham, 1905Crypturoperla Illies, 1969Klapopteryx Navás, 1928Penturoperla Illies, 1960Pseudoheptura Riek, 1973Tasmanoperla Tillyard, 1921