This is the largest family (Perlidae) of stoneflies in Ohio, with at least 32 species still present. The defining characteristic is the presence of branched gills on the thorax at the base of the legs (coxal gills; see Figure 1) on the ventral or underneath side. Only the Salmonflys also have branched coxal gills, but also have gills on the first 2 abdominal segments, which the Common Stoneflies don't have.
Perlinella drymo
It is difficult to carry the identification further without a dissecting microscope or magnifying glass (if you have those, use the Key to Families at the top of the page). Some pictures of representative Common Stoneflies are included below
Agnetina flavescens
Perlesta sp.
Acroneuria abnormis
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