Dipteromimidae

Definition

A family of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) characterized by reduced wing venation and other derived morphological features that distinguish them from other ephemeropteran families. Members of this family are part of the diverse aquatic insect fauna inhabiting freshwater systems.

Etymology

Example

Specimens of Dipteromimidae are collected from streams and rivers for studies of mayfly phylogeny and aquatic ecosystem health assessment.

Related Terms

• Ephemeroptera
• Mayfly
• Baetidae
• Heptageniidae
• aquatic insect
• wing venation

Usage Notes

A small family of mayflies; specialists distinguish Dipteromimidae from the more diverse Baetidae and Heptageniidae by details of wing venation and genital morphology. The family's placement within Ephemeroptera has been refined through molecular and morphological phylogenetic studies.