|Introduction
|Identification Key
|
Order Ephemeroptera
(Mayflies)
Mayflies are common and important members of the benthic community in most
streams. They are hemimetabolous (undergo simple metamorphosis) and the
nymphs of all species are aquatic. Mayflies are chiefly
herbivorous and/or detritivorous and may be found in a variety of
habitats. Some species are streamlined and adapted for life in stream
riffles while others are adapted for burrowing in soft sediments.
Many mayfly species are highly sensitive to pollution and thus, as a group,
mayflies are useful in biomonitoring analyses.
Examples of common mayfly nymphs: