Stonefly species found at La Mesa watershed

MANILA, Philippines — A new stonefly species has been discovered at the La Mesa Watershed Reservation (LMWR), according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The DENR-National Capital Region office said Neoperla lamesae is an aquatic insect belonging to the order Plecoptera (stoneflies) and the family Perlidae.

It spends most of its life underwater as a nymph, and is known as an important bioindicator of a clean environment.

“Due to its sensitivity to pollution, the presence of stoneflies is a clear indication of high water quality, sufficient oxygen and (absence of) contamination,” the DENR said. “Their existence serves as a natural sensor of the health of the ecosystem.”

The DENR said the discovery of the stonefly species is a testament that the LMWR is an “important haven for biodiversity and a living laboratory that can provide new scientific knowledge.”

The discovery was made from the research of Jondemarco Ricafort, Arthien Lovell Pelingen, Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, Yeon Jae Bae and Christine Jewel Uy-Yabut from University of the Philippines-Diliman, University of Otago and Korea University.

The DENR encouraged the public, especially students, researchers and environmental advocates, to conduct more studies within the watershed.