Which family is recognized for common stoneflies?

The family recognized for common stoneflies is Plecoptera. This taxonomic family encompasses the entire order of stoneflies, which are characterized by their aquatic larval stages and adult forms often found near cold, clean running water. The order Plecoptera includes multiple families, including those mentioned in the other choices, but it is Plecoptera that refers broadly to all stoneflies as a group.

Perlidae, while a family within the Plecoptera order, specifically refers to a subset of stoneflies commonly known as the "perlid stoneflies." They are indeed commonly found and studied, but they do not represent the whole order.

Pteronarcyidae and Chloroperlidae, also families under the Plecoptera order, consist of different stonefly types, each with unique characteristics and ecological roles.

Understanding the distinctions between these families is crucial for classification and identification within the context of freshwater ecosystems, especially for those involved in ecological assessments and environmental monitoring.