Distribution Of Stoneflies Research Articles

Sinosharaperla zhaoi (Insecta: Plecoptera; Early Cretaceous), a Gondwanian element in the northern hemisphere, or just a misplaced species?

The disjunct, extant distribution of stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera) can be explained either (mainly) by vicariance resulting from the splitting of the super-continent Pangaea, or (mainly) by multiple extinctions. The assignment of Sinosharaperla zhaoi, from the Early Cretaceous of north-eastern China, to a suborder currently inhabiting the southern hemisphere, Antarctoperlaria, supported the proposed ‘extinction’ scenario. However, our investigation of this species demonstrates that it actually belongs to the Systellognatha, a widespread group of extant stoneflies.

Diversity and distribution of stoneflies in the area of Plitvice Lakes National Park and along the Mediterranean river Cetina (Croatia)

The stonefly fauna of Croatia is poorly known with only 28 species so far officially recorded. This number should be much higher because for some neighbouring countries about 100 stonefly species are known. The aim of this work was to investigate and to compare the diversity and distribution of stoneflies in the continental and the Mediterranean part of the Western Dinaric region in Croatia. The results are based on identification of adult insects and larvae. Adult Plecoptera were collected at the Plitvice Lakes National Park during two years using pyramid-type emergence traps and window traps with 28 stonefly species collected. The research of stonefly fauna of Cetina River was conducted during a one-year period and adults of 15 stonefly species were found. Among 37 stonefly species recorded for both study areas only six species are shared, and 19 species are new for the Croatian fauna as important new findings for the Croatian part of Dinaric region.