Comparative study of the life cycles of six species of Dinotoperla (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae) in Victoria

Abstract

The life cycles of six species of Dinotoperla were studied. One of these, D. bassae, only occurred in temporary pools; three species, D. thwaitesi, D. fontana and D. brevipennis, were found in intermittently flowing creeks; and these three species as well as D. eucumbene and D. christinae inhabited cool, permanent rivers. All the species were univoltine (except for D. eucumbene, which had a nymphal life span of 11-15 months). D. bassae, D. brevipennis, D. christinae and D. eucumbene had seasonal well-synchronized life cycles, although in times of severe drought the eggs of D. bassae may remain in diapause for 18 months or more. Emergence periods of all species were relatively restricted and were completed by early summer.