The life cycle of Hydroperla crosbyi (Plecoptera: Perlodidae)

Authors

Reed Y. Oberndorfer, North Texas State University, Denton and Brigham Young University
Kenneth W. Stewart, North Texas State University, Denton

Abstract

Hydroperla crosbyi in Texas exhibited a univoltine, fast life cycle over the three-year study period. Adults emerged in February–March when mean daily stream temperature reached ca. 15 C. Reared females in the lab deposited up to three egg masses. Mean fecundity of dissected females was 787 eggs/female. Oviposition in the field was observed and described.

Eggs were triangular in cross section, brown, and measured 400 µm × 535 µm. They underwent an ca. seven-month diapause until mean daily stream temperature decreased to 18 C. Eyespots appeared, and hatching followed in two to three weeks. First instar nymphs were measured and described. Male and female nymphs underwent 12 and 14 instars, respectively, and could be sexed by the sixth. Fast growth occurred in the coldest season and Simuliidae and Chironomidae larvae were preferred food throughout development.

Eggs contained a mean of 6.21 cal/mg. Ash-free mean caloric value of last instar nymphs was 6.0 cal/mg. Adult males and females lost 33.8 percent and 57.6 percent, respectively, of their caloric pool through their ca. 12 days of life.

Recommended Citation

Oberndorfer, Reed Y. and Stewart, Kenneth W. (1977) "The life cycle of Hydroperla crosbyi (Plecoptera: Perlodidae)," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 37: No. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol37/iss2/12