Plains Stripetail
Valley City State University
A stonefly and member of the family Perlodidae. The larval stage at maturity is up to 16 mm with a long, cylindrical body. They are known as stripetails due to the distinctive coloration on the dorsal side of the abdomen. They are typically found in well-oxygenated areas, such as riffles, where they cling to smooth rocks and prey on other small invertebrates.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round resident of North Dakota waterbodies in the larval stage. Adults typically emerge in early summer.
Range Map
Isoperla longiseta potential range in North Dakota.
Reason for SWAP Designation
A regional species of very high concern with limited species level data in North Dakota and an at-risk species based on expert review (SGCN c).
The Plains stripetail is known to occur throughout much of the upper Midwest and Canada, but North Dakota data is not well understood.
It’s considered to be rare throughout its range.
Their primary distribution across North Dakota includes the Sheyenne, Pembina Rivers.
However, the potential exists for this species to be present throughout the Missouri River drainage as it has been documented in eastern Montana’s prairie rivers.
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
Occurs in large, cool, sand dominated river systems such as the Missouri, Pembina, and Sheyenne Rivers.