There are 15 families of stoneflies found worldwide, consisting of 2000 species. In Australia only 4 of these families are represented with just 196 species present. The stoneflies are divided into 2 suborders, the Antarctoperlaria and the Arctoperlaria. Of the 4 families present in Australia all are restricted to the southern hemisphere. About 70% of the species found in Australia are classified in the family Gripopterygidae. Follow the links below to find out more about the families of stoneflies Those in bold represent the stonefly families present in Australia.

For stonefly species visit the Australian Insect Common Names - Plecoptera section found here.