Thaumatoperla alpina is a species of stonefly in the genus Thaumatoperla,[1] and are the largest Australian stonefly.[2] They are endemic to the Bogong High Plains area of the Victorian alps, Australia.[3]
Large insect, females 36-44 mm (excluding antennae and cerci), males generally smaller.
As adult: Two pairs of wide, black membranous wings, the posterior wings having a dark-blue iridescence.[1] Head and legs black. The prothorax is large, oval-shaped and orange and with a distinct black marking in the centre of the pronotum. The cylindrical abdomen is slightly flattened dorsally and pale yellowish-grey with black markings.[1] Two large black cerci and two long black antennae.
They are incapable of flight.[2]
Thaumatoperla alpina are endemic to the Bogong High Plains of the Victorian alpine area in south-eastern Australia.[3] Genetic analyses indicate that there are three sub-populations separated by the three main catchments: West Kiewa, East Kiewa and Mitta Mitta.[3]
T. alpina inhabit alpine riparian heathland. Nymphs live in the hyporheic zone of mountain streams.[3] Where introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are absent, T. alpina nymphs are the top-level stream predators.[4]
T. alpina spend approximately three years as nymphs.[2] They emerge as adults in January - April.[3]
From Latin Alpinus, referring to their alpine habitat.
Listed as Threatened under the EPBC Act 1999 and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Thaumatoperla alpina is a species of stonefly in the genus Thaumatoperla, and are the largest Australian stonefly. They are endemic to the Bogong High Plains area of the Victorian alps, Australia.
