A CHIRONOMID (NANOCLADIUS (PLECOPTERACOLUTHUS) BRANCHICOLUS: DIPTERA) PHORETIC ON A STONEFLY (ACRONEURIA LYCORIAS: PLECOPTERA) IN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

AbstractLarvae of the chironomid Nanocladius (Plecopteracoluthus) branchicolus Sæther were found living phoretically with nymphs of the stonefly Acroneuria lycorias (Newman). The male and fourth instar larva of N. (P.) branchicolus are described for the first time. The stonefly and chironomid were found in streams in central and northern Saskatchewan forests. Of six Saskatchewan Perlidae species, the chironomid was associated only with A. lycorias. The chironomid most often occurred beneath stonefly wing pads. In the laboratory chironomid pupation lasted about 2 days with emergence occurring about 2 days prior to stonefly emergence.