Zelandoperla fenestrata is a widespread endemic New Zealand ‘long-tailed’ stonefly that is often abundant in high-gradient stony streams, from near sea-level up to alpine elevations.

[1] The species name 'fenestrata' refers to the window-like rectangular patterning visible on the wings of non-melanic adult specimens.

[1][3] Full-winged and vestigial-winged ecotypes within this complex can sometimes be found together in sympatry, and can be either fully interbreeding or reproductively isolated.

[1][6] Recent deforestation in New Zealand has reduced populations of the toxic Austroperla, leading to selection against melanic Zelandoperla specimens in these cleared regions, in a highly replicated example of human-induced evolution.

[8] The Banks Peninsula population of the Z. fenestrata species group has highly reduced wings and is thus flightless.