An insect of the family Perlidæ, whose larvæ are found under stones in streams; esp. Perla bicaudata, much used (in the larval or the perfect state) as a bait in angling; also, an artificial fly made in imitation of this. Also attrib.
a. 1450. Fysshynge w. Angle (1883), 23. In May take a ston flye and þe bub vndur þe cow torde and the dor worme [etc.].
1653. Walton, Angler, iv. 97. There are as many sorts of flies as there be of fruits:… as the dun flie, the stone flie, the red flie, [etc.].
1741. Compl. Family-Piece, II. ii. 334. The Stone or May Fly, the Body make of Black Wool…, and the Wings make of a Drake’s Down.
1841. E. Newman, Hist. Insects, 107. The May-flies or caddews, stone-flies, &c., frequent watery places.
1872. J. G. Wood, Insects at Home, 265. Larvæ of May-flies … I take in plenty, but not one single Stone-fly larva have I found.
1896. Lydekker, Roy. Nat. Hist., VI. 171. The stone-flies (Perlidæ).
