Pawnee Stonefly
Photo is not the species of interest but rather a representative specimen of the family Perlidae. Photo credit to Valley City State University.
A stonefly and member of the family Perlidae, the most common and species rich family of stoneflies which cling to rocks and other hard substrates in well oxygenated areas of rivers/streams such as riffles. The larval stage is relatively large and like mayflies but only have two tails (cerci) rather than three, are typically speckled throughout the body, with chewing mouthparts to suit their predatory diet. Larval stage present throughout the open water season with adults emerging in spring or early summer.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round resident of North Dakota waterbodies.
Depending on environmental conditions, life cycle can take 1 to 3 years to complete.
Range Map
Perlesta xube potential range in North Dakota.
Reason for SWAP Designation
A regional species of concern with limited data in North Dakota and an at-risk species based on expert review (SGCN c).
It’s considered to be rare throughout its range.
The Pawnee stonefly has a limited distribution in the state, with the only documented records occurring in the Forest River.
However, the potential exists for this species to be present throughout the Red River drainage.
Threats
Limited habitat availability, land development, climate change, sedimentation, energy development, agricultural practices and habitat modification and inundation due to damming of river systems.
Research and Monitoring
Limited research has been conducted.
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) conducts biological monitoring surveys on State waters as part of their Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) development.
Additionally, a monitoring protocol for aquatic invertebrates is being developed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) under the State Wildlife Grant Program with implementation as a future goal.
Additionally, a survey of aquatic invertebrates in cooperation with Valley City State University is currently underway to gain additional baseline information on SGCN’s.
Management Recommendations
- Protect and conserve large, intact tracks of native/unbroken forested areas.
- Develop/maintain buffers along riparian areas.
- Partner with local, state, and federal entities to limit chemical use in/near aquatic habitats.
- Partner with local, state, and federal entities to remove dams where logically feasible.
- Encourage efficient use of pesticides.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Primarily located in low gradient, medium sized rivers in northeast North Dakota such as the Forest River.