Key to Plecoptera larvae. There are three Families of Plecoptera that have been collected in North Dakota rivers and streams. Examine the descriptions and pictures shown below and decide which group your specimen best fits.
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Family Pteronarcyidae - Bushy gills on thorax and on the first 1 -3 segments of the abdomen (Fig. 1). Overall appearance like Figure 2.
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Family Perlidae - Bushy gills restricted to the thorax (Fig. 3). Overall appearance like Figure 4.
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Family Perlodidae - Small fingerlike gills on thorax or none at all (Fig. 5). Cerci about the length of abdomen (Fig. 6). Dorsal side of head and thorax usually with distinct pigment patterns. General appearance like Figure 7.
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