Delaware State Macroinvertebrate
Stonefly
(Order Plecoptera)
Adopted on May 4, 2005.
On May 4, 2005, the Stonefly (Order Plecoptera) was designated as Delaware's State macroinvertebrate, because it is an indicator of the excellent water quality in the State. The designation of the stonefly was a means whereby Delaware State government could recognize the importance of excellent water quality and the vital role played by healthy aquatic ecosystems in Delaware.
Delaware State Macroinvertebrate: Stonefly
Designating a State macroinvertebrate is a highly appropriate means to raise public awareness of water quality issues, and complement citizen action programs like Delaware Stream Watch. Through their participation in the Delaware Stream Watch Program, the designation of the stonefly as the official State macroinvertebrate was supported by the following schools:
Gunning-Bedford Middle School, Salesianum High School, Delcastle Technical High School, Dickinson High School Environmental Club, The Independence
School, Springer Middle School, St. Andrews School, and The Charter School of Wilmington.
By designating the stonefly as its State macroinvertebrate, Delaware once again demonstrated its leadership as the First State, because currently,
no other state in the United States has designated an official State macroinvertebrate to accompany their State symbols, such as their State flag,
State flower, State bird, State bug, State butterfly and State marine animal.
Delaware House Bill No. 77
CHAPTER 37
FORMERLY
HOUSE BILL NO. 77
AN ACT AMENDING TITLE 29, DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DESIGNATING THE STONEFLY (ORDER PLECOPTERA) AS THE STATE MACROINVERTEBRATE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE :
WHEREAS, the availability of clean, safe water is essential for all Delawareans and aquatic life; and
WHEREAS, macroinvertebrates are key indicators of water quality; and
WHEREAS, designating a State macroinvertebrate is a highly appropriate means to raise public awareness of water quality issues, and complement citizen
action programs like Delaware Stream Watch; and
WHEREAS, through their participation in the Delaware Stream Watch Program the designation of the stonefly as the official State macroinvertebrate is
supported by the following schools: Gunning-Bedford Middle School, Salesianum High School, Delcastle Technical High School, Dickinson High School Environmental
Club, The Independence School, Springer Middle School, St. Andrews School, and The Charter School of Wilmington, and
WHEREAS, the stonefly (Order Plecoptera) indigenous to Delaware having been found in streams throughout New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, is an
indicator of excellent water quality; and
WHEREAS, the stonefly herein designated as the official State macroinvertebrate is emblematic and fitting to accompany Delaware's other official symbols;
and
WHEREAS, the designation of the stonefly is a means whereby Delaware State government can recognize the importance of excellent water quality and the
vital role played by healthy aquatic ecosystems in Delaware; and
WHEREAS, Delaware might once again demonstrate its leadership as the First State as currently no other state in the United States has designated an
official State macroinvertebrate to accompany their State flag, State flower, State bird, State bug, State butterfly and State marine animal.
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
Section 1. Amend Chapter 3, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by adding thereto a new Section designated as § 320 to read as follows:
"§ 320. State macroinvertebrate.
The stonefly (Order Plecoptera) is the official macroinvertebrate of the State.".
Approved May 4, 2005
Delaware Law
The law designating the stonefly as the official Delaware state macroinvertebrate.is found in the Delaware Code Title 29, General Provisions, Chapter 3, Section 320
TITLE 29
State Government
General Provisions
CHAPTER 3. STATE SEAL, SONG AND SYMBOLS
§ 320. State macroinvertebrate.
The stonefly (order Plecoptera ) is the official macroinvertebrate of the State. (75 Del. Laws, c. 37, § 1.)
Taxonomic Hierarchy: Stonefly
Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Subclass: Pterygota
Infraclass: Neoptera
Superorder: Exopterygota
Order: Plecoptera - Burmeister, 1839
