Members of this order constitute a fundamental element in the bottom fauna of streams. Because of their high oxygen requirements they are very susceptible to many of man's activities and, therefore, act as biological indicators of stream pollution. Ongoing research focuses on the role of stoneflies in the diet of stream-dwelling salmonids and on the abundance of stoneflies in temporary and polluted streams.
Further interests involve the systematic relationships and distribution of specific stonefly groups.
Sandhill Crane Press , Gainesville, Fla., pp. Analysis of Plecopteran assemblages along an altitudinal gradient in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee .