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Story: Insects – overview

Stonefly

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Stonefly

Many stonefly species spend much of their life as larvae in freshwater streams. When fully grown they develop into winged adults and take flight in order to mate. Some species in the south of New Zealand have very small wings and are flightless. These live in tussocklands and under mountain stones.

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by George Gibbs

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How to cite this page

George Gibbs, Insects – overview – Wingless and flightless insects, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10068/stonefly (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by George Gibbs, published 1 March 2009.