noun
- Insects of the order Plecoptera, characterized by two pairs of wings and an aquatic nymph stage; commonly known as stoneflies.
Usage: plural form; zoology/entomology term; often used in freshwater ecology and fly-fishing contexts
Examples
- Plecopterans are important indicators of water quality in streams and rivers.
- The nymphs of plecopterans live underwater for one to three years before emerging as adults.
- Fly fishers often use artificial lures that imitate plecopterans because trout feed on them readily.
- Scientists collected plecopterans from the stream to assess the health of the ecosystem.
- Unlike mayflies, plecopterans have two tails and are generally larger insects.