Polymitarcyidae
- Pronunciation
- /pol-ee-mih-tar-SY-ih-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Polymitarcyidae
Definition
A of pale burrower (order ) characterized by nymphs that construct U-shaped burrows in sandy or silty riverbeds. The family comprises approximately 10 and more than 90 described , with nymphs possessing broad, fossorial forelegs and reduced gills compared to other mayfly families.
Full guide
Read the full Polymitarcyidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.
Etymology
From the type Polymitarcys (Greek: poly- 'many' + mitarcys, of uncertain derivation, possibly related to thread or filament) + -idae ( suffix).
Example
Nymphs of Ephoron, a polymitarcyid common in large North American rivers, emerge synchronously in summer to form brief but massive mating swarms.
Related Terms
- Ephemeroptera
- Burrower mayfly
- Fossorial
- Ephoron
- Palingeniidae
- Ephemeridae
- Nymph
- Subimago
Usage Notes
Distinguished from other burrowing (, Palingeniidae) by specific gill reduction patterns and burrow architecture. Formerly treated as a of Ephemeridae in older classifications. are typically pale and short-lived, with reduced mouthparts.