Stonefly Direct

: As nymphs, many act as "shredders," breaking down coarse organic matter like leaves, which fuels nutrient flow in freshwater food webs.

Stoneflies are renowned for their sensitivity to water quality, making them "sentinel" species for environmental changes. Stonefly

Stoneflies undergo , which includes three stages: egg, nymph (or naiad), and adult. Stonefly | Aquatic, Nymphs, Predators | Britannica : As nymphs, many act as "shredders," breaking