Crested Sallfly
Gaufinia cristata
Other common names: Utah Sallfly
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G1
State (S-rank): S1?
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
Description
Phenology
Stoneflies spend most of their lives as aquatic larvae, living anywhere from 6 months to 3 years at this developmental stage. In preparation for adulthood, larvae emerge from the water and shed their exoskeleton. The adult stage is much shorter, lasting 1 to 4 weeks (Bouchard, 2004). Adults begin to emerge in late spring, and continue emerging through the summer. No larval crested sallflies have been observed or collected (Hotaling, 2024).
Species range
This species is endemic to the southeastern region of Utah. It is known from the Abajo and Henry Mountains in Garfield and San Juan counties. It also possibly occurs in Navajo Mountain (NatureServe, 2025).
Habitat
Green stoneflies are typically found in cool, clean flowing mountain rivers along stones/gravel or in leaves and snags (Bouchard, 2004).
Food habits
Early stage sallfly nymphs are omnivores with mostly fine particulate organic matter, coarse particulate organic matter, and unicellular organisms found in their gut content. However, as they mature, they typically become carnivores consuming chironomid midge, mayfly, caddisfly, and stonefly larvae. The mouths of carnivorous nymphs are usually for grasping and penetrating prey.
Reproductive characteristics
Male stoneflies attract mates with a species-specific drumming sound created by tapping their abdomen on the substrate. Females respond with their own drumming, and the pair move to locate each other while drumming back and forth (Bouchard, 2004).
Threats or limiting factors
Specific threats are not known. As with most stoneflies, this species may be susceptible to changes in aquatic habitat and water quality resulting from grazing, timber harvest, mining, recreation, etc.