Under conditions of low oxygen availability, the larvae of the stonefly Oya
mia lugubris McLachlan demonstrate a 'push-up' behavior that is thought to
enhance respiratory efficiency. We conducted an experiment to investigate t
he effect of the oxygen supply on this behavior in winter and summer by usi
ng a lotic chamber and natural water. From the experiment, we determined th
e critical oxygen supply level below which the stonefly larvae are compelle
d to do push-ups. There was a small difference in the critical oxygen suppl
y level between the seasons. This result emphasizes that a novel measuremen
t of the oxygen availability, that is, the oxygen supply, could be an impor
tant determinant of the distribution of aquatic insects.