Behningiidae
Sand-burrowing Mayflies, Tuskless Burrowing Mayflies
Genus Guides
1- Dolania(American sand-burrowing mayfly)
is a small, primitive of burrowing mayflies with four described : three extant (Behningia, Dolania, Protobehningia) and one fossil (†Archaeobehningia). Nymphs inhabit sandy river sediments but lack the tusk-like mandibular projections typical of other burrowing families. The family has a Holarctic distribution, with Dolania occurring in North America and the remaining genera in northern Europe and Asia. Members are rarely collected due to their subterranean lifestyle.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Behningiidae: //bɛŋˈniːdʒi.aɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other burrowing (Ephemeridae, Polymitarcyidae) by the absence of tusk-like mandibular projections. Forelegs palp-like rather than . First abdominal gill single and disproportionately long compared to paired gills on subsequent segments. Mid- and hindlegs uniquely modified to cover and protect gills.
Appearance
not described in available sources. Nymphs: body adapted for burrowing in sand. lack tusks (diagnostic absence of burrowing specializations present in related ). Forelegs palp-like, not modified for digging. Mid- and hindlegs modified to protect gills. Gills positioned ventrally; first abdominal gill single and longer than gills on segments 2–7.
Habitat
Wadeable rivers with fine sandy bottoms, often in braided channel systems with turbid conditions from seasonal flooding. Submontane rivers bordered by farmland and residential areas. Requires sandy substrate depth exceeding 50 cm near .
Distribution
Holarctic. North America: Dolania. Europe and Asia: genera Behningia and Protobehningia. Documented in Thailand (Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi provinces), China (Yunnan province, Nujiang River).
Seasonality
Larvae collected October–November (middle instars) during turbid flooding conditions. and observed December.
Life Cycle
: oval, 1.62–1.73 mm length, 1.09–1.26 mm width; densely punctuated with weak pentagonal reticulation; funnelform at equatorial zone surrounded by fibrous adhesive material. Larval development: middle instars present October–November. : December.
Behavior
Nymphs are sand-dwelling burrowers, inhabiting fine sandy river bottoms. Rarely collected due to subterranean habit. In Thailand, Protobehningia merga larvae co-occur with Chromarcys magnifica (Oligoneuriidae) and Paragomphus capricornis (Gomphidae).
Similar Taxa
- EphemeridaeBurrowing mayflies with tusked for digging; lacks these tusks and has palp-like rather than forelegs
- PolymitarcyidaeBurrowing mayflies with modified forelegs and tusk-like ; has unmodified forelegs and tuskless mandibles
- PotamanthidaeRelated in Ephemeroidea; nymphs have different gill arrangements and leg modifications