It’s Not Just a Bug Anymore…
The Meltwater Lednian Stonefly is the latest candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Actually, it would be a big deal, because FWS says they only exist in Glacier National Park. According to a press release I received today: Stoneflies are primarily associated with clean, cool streams and rivers. Juvenile meltwater lednian stoneflies are found in snow-melt runoff streams in high elevation, alpine and subalpine streams, most typically in locations closely linked to glacial runoff. The species is generally restricted to streams with mean summer water temperature less than 10 degrees Celsius (oC) or 50 degrees Fahrenheit (oF). The meltwater lednian stonefly is found in only a few locations within Glacier National Park, Montana.
Melting glaciers spell impending doom for the meltwater lednian stonefly. Therefore, FWS says the fly does merit endangered status...however the agency has other priorities right now, so the little guys will have to wait their turn. But just imagine the potential impact on humans if and when these critters make the list.
The original petition filed by the group WildEarth Guardians also included the Bearmouth Mountain Snail and Byrne Resort Mountainsnail, but FWS says they aren't recognised species, so they'll have to fend for themselves.
Here's the full release from FWS:
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