Habitat

Nymphs stay in streams or spring runs that are generally colder, clean and have a higher rate of dissolved oxygen (Childs 2012). Some are more uncommonly found on the shores of large lakes (Mandaville 2006). The main reason they require clear and clean streams is that they feed upon lichen, algae and other similar plants that need a steady amount of sunlight and oxygen. They live in streams that run through forests or highly vegetated areas which provide food for the nymphs (DeWalt 2002). They also live on rocks, limbs and plants in the areas surrounding streams.

Amphinemura covers the widest range of habitats among the stonefly family. They can be found anywhere from North Africa and Mexico all the way up to the Arctic. More specifically, Amphinemura delosa are confined to areas within the United States. They live in the states Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia (DeWalt et al 2012).

 

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