Alpine Stonefly - Department of Sustainability and Environment

Vulnerable Victorians
DSE’s threatened species recovery projects February 2006
Alpine Stonefly
It may be hard to believe that Victoria is home to a species of fly that grows up to five
centimetres long and never flies, but it's true, and DSE scientists want to know more about it.
Thaumatoperla alpina or the Alpine Stonefly is found in just a few locations in Victoria's High
Country, and it's no surprise that few people have heard of it, because it spends all but a few
months of its three-year life-cycle in alpine streams.
For most of its life it is a larval nymph, and is the top-level instream predator in the absence of
introduced trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Researcher, Shanaugh McKay, from the Arthur Rylah Institute at Heidelberg, has collaborated
with Cassandra Bryce of La Trobe University at Albury-Wodonga to study high altitude small
rocky streams, which are the stonefly's known habitat.
The adults rely on streamside vegetation for emergence and mating, but parts of their habitat
were burned during the alpine fires of 2002-03.
Shanaugh wants to establish how the fires affected the species and its prospects for survival.
"Decreased vegetation along stream sides, caused by the bushfires, can affect both the adult
and nymphal life stages of the Stonefly. The loss of vegetation and shade can increase
predation on adult morphs, as well as raising the water temperature, which may affect nymphal
development," Cassandra said.
Luckily, the stonefly was found at sites
affected by the bushfires, indicating
short-term survival.
The longer-term impacts on the
species' distribution, in the fireaffected
area however, are unknown.
Future surveys will help assess
population trends in the longer-term.
Recommendations to Parks Victoria
and DSE have been made to aid in
the protection of the species.
The amazing Alpine Stonefly in its adult form (top) and as a nymph
(above). Pictures: Cassandra Bryce

Vulnerable Victorians
DSE’s threatened species recovery projects
FACT SHEET
ALPINE STONEFLY (Thaumatoperla alpina)
STATUS: Rare
DESCRIPTION: The largest of the Australian stoneflies, they are brightly
coloured, with markings of reds, greens, purples and black.
They have a lifecycle of approximately three years and as
adults live for approximately two months, from April through
until the first snow falls.
Because this species cannot fly its dispersal is very limited.
They are often found on silky daisy (Celmisia sericophylla)
which is endemic to the Bogong High Plains and is a plant of
National Significance.
The nymphs are classified as omnivores, eating both plant and
animal material.
Another, more widely distributed species of stonefly, Eusthenia
venosa could be easily confused with the Alpine stonefly, as it
is very similar in its ecology and life history.
LOCATION: The Bogong High Plains, specifically the Mt McKay and Mt
Fainter areas.
HABITAT: High altitude (>760m metres above sea level), in streams
above the treeline.
The nymphs are most commonly found in steep, stony, cool
streams, often below a cascade of water underneath
cobblestones or detritus.
THREATS: The Australian Alps are subjected to numerous human activities,
which may impact the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of T. alpina.
These activities include: forestry, cattle and sheep grazing, apiary,
recreational skiing, fishing and bushwalking. These activities can
affect a species directly or indirectly through disturbing essential
components of an organism’s habitat. Climate change also poses a
potential threat to the distribution of T. alpina in the alpine region,
due to its highly restricted habitat range. Aquatic organisms in
these areas may not be able to withstand an increase in water
temperature or a decrease in stream flow associated with reduced
snow fall.
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment June 2003
© The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2003
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISBN 1 74152 237 4
For more information contact: Rob Clancy at DSE Communications on 9637 8034
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appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any
information in this publication.
www.dse.vic.gov.au