Nymphs of the Neoperla species are not well described and some species found in Ohio are not known as nymphs. Keys to adults should be used to determine species). Neoperla catharae, N. clymene, N. robisoni and N. stewarti are known as nymphs for Ohio, but a key is not currently presented.
The following species are listed for Ohio (DeWalt, et al., 2012) but are unknown as the nymphal stages: Neoperla coosa; Neoperla gaufini; Neoperla mainensis; Neoperla occipitalis; Neoperla stewarti. For these species, it is necessary to identify the adults from reared nymphs (Stark, 2004) or barcoding.
Neoperla nymphs are easily recognized by having only 2 ocelli, which are closely set together and having a transverse row of setae on the occiput (see figure below, left). The other stonefly nymphs that have only 2 ocelli (e.g., Perlinella ephyre) have the ocelli place wide apart and lack the row of setae on the occiput.
Neoperla clymene habitus
Neoperla clymene
