Many species inhabit only well aerated streams. The characteristic inability of the stoneflies, as a group, to tolerate various types of pollution has led to their increasing use as pollution indicators in environmental quality assessments, studies, etc. Where large emergences of stonefly adults blanket homes, businesses, etc. Nymphs of a few stoneflies, possibly species that are known to live in underground water, appear in wells or other drinking water supplies. Screening of intakes should eliminate such problems.
Most nymphs occur under stones in well aerated streams.
Much of the literature deals with checklists for scattered specific localities or generalities about the group. Although the nymphs are known to be most abundant in well oxygenated streams or along active rocky lake shores, they may be found anywhere in a non-polluted stream where food is available. Many slow, quiet streams, such as spring or limestone creeks usually considered to be mayfly habitats, have been found by anglers and others to harbor a number of stonefly species. The nymphs vary by species in their food habits. Stoneflies are probably more active in the winter months than most aquatics.