Freshwater Macroinvertebrates in Hong Kong

Plecoptera

It is commonly known as stonefly. Its distribution is worldwide but not yet found in Antarctica. There are 12 families in two infraorders: Euholognatha and Systellognatha (= below suborder of Arctoperlaria). There are 3 families are recorded in Hong Kong. The larvae of stoneflies are aquatic and resemble to the adults but without wings. They might possess various kinds of external gills (cervical gills, thoracic gills and anal gills).

Amphinemura

Nemouridae e.g. Amphinemura wui (in subfamily Amphinemurinae)

Body elongate, hind legs when fully extended are sub-equal to the abdominal length
Cervical gills present between head and thorax
Brown larvae associated with leaf litter

Perlidae

Perlidae e.g. Togoperla sp.

Body relatively large and dorsoventrally flattened
Head with compound eyes and 2 or 3 ocelli; two stout cerci at the tip of the abdomen
Thoracic gills are present; anal gills may be present
Fast-running predators feed on other stream insects
Rhopalopsole

Leuctridae e.g. Rhopalopsole sp.

Body elongate and cylindrical, usually white or yellow
Membranous fold between the upper and lower surface of the abdomen
No cervical gills; hind legs when fully extended are shorter than the abdomen
Larvae burrow in sand or gravel

 

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