Doeg, T.; Reed, J. (Victoria, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources);

A survey for the Otway stonefly Eusthenia nothofagi Zwick (Plecoptcra: Eustheniidae) was conducted throughout the Otway Ranges, south-west Victoria. Members of the genus were located at 19 out of 52 sites sampled, widely spread through the ranges. Sites where the genus was present were located primarily in streams draining cool temperate rainforest, and wet sclerophyll forest. The main in-stream habitats where nymphs were collected were under cobbles and wood, usually restricted to slower flowing areas along the edge of stream.
Late instar nymphs were collected at 11 sites and reared through to adults. This confirmed the presence of the species Eusthenia nothofagi at 9 sites widely distributed throughout the Otway Ranges. No adults of Eusthenia venosa were reared, and it is therefore assumed that all Eusthenia nymphs represent records for Eusthenia nothofagi and that the species is widely distributed in the Otway Ranges and would probably be located within virtually all the catchments in the region, including closed catchments, reference areas and special reserves.
In our opinion, the combination of sites in areas of secure land-use, and the application of local Public Land management, is likely to provide sufficient protection to ensure the survival and future evolutionary potential of the species.

Endangered Species Program