Roach-like stoneflies
Scientific name: Peltoperlidae
Roach-like stoneflies
Scientific name: Peltoperlidae
Description
While the common names of many insects might suggest horrifying attributes, members of the family Peltoperlidae, also known as stoneflies, are secretly contributing in environmental health checks. These insects are excellent bioindicators, meaning that the presence and health of their populations are used by scientists to gauge the cleanliness of freshwater habitats. Unlike their name might suggest, stoneflies are not merely stones with wings; they play a pivotal role in the aquatic ecosystem by breaking down decaying plant material and being a crucial part of the food web.