Stoneflies , members of the order , are ancient aquatic insects that serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health. With a lineage dating back over 300 million years, they are among the earliest groups of winged insects. Today, there are approximately 3,900 known species globally, found on every continent except Antarctica. Ecological Significance
Stoneflies undergo , which includes three stages: egg, nymph (or naiad), and adult. Stonefly | Aquatic, Nymphs, Predators | Britannica Stonefly
Stoneflies are renowned for their sensitivity to water quality, making them "sentinel" species for environmental changes. Stoneflies , members of the order , are
: As nymphs, many act as "shredders," breaking down coarse organic matter like leaves, which fuels nutrient flow in freshwater food webs. members of the order