Ephemeridae is a family of mayflies with about 150 described species found throughout the world except Australia and Oceania.[1]
| Ephemeridae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Ephemera danica | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Ephemeroptera |
| Suborder: | Schistonota |
| Superfamily: | Ephemeroidea |
| Family: | Ephemeridae Latreille, 1810 |
Description
editEphemerids are generally quite large mayflies (up to 35 mm) with either two or three very long tails. Many species have distinctively patterned wings.[2] They breed in a wide range of waters, usually requiring a layer of silt as the nymphs have strong legs which are adapted for burrowing (the group is sometimes known as burrowing mayflies). The nymphs are largely carnivorous and collect their food either through predation or scavenging.
Genera
editThe Global Biodiversity Information Facility[1] includes:
- Afromera Demoulin, 1955
- Denina McCafferty, 1987
- Eatonica Navás, 1913
- Eatonigenia Ulmer, 1939
- Ephemera Linnaeus, 1758
- Hexagenia Walsh, 1863
- Litobrancha McCafferty, 1971
- Parabaetis Haupt, 1956
- Pentagenia Walsh, 1863
- Phthartus Handlirsch, 1904
References
edit- ^ a b Global Biodiversity Information Facility: Family Ephemeridae (retrieved 7 April 2024)
- ^ Chinery, Michael (1986) Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe (Reprinted 1991)
- McGavin, George C. Insects and Spiders 2004
See also
editExternal links
edit- Fauna Europaea
- Nomina Insecta Nearctica
Data related to Ephemeridae at Wikispecies
Media related to Ephemeridae at Wikimedia Commons
