Caudatella heterocaudata
(McDunnough, 1929)
A of spiny crawler mayfly in the Ephemerellidae, originally described by McDunnough in 1929. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with Caudatella circia previously treated as distinct but now recognized as a synonym. Larvae possess diagnostic morphological characters that allow separation from the related C. hystrix complex.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caudatella heterocaudata: //ˌkaʊdəˈtɛlə ˌhɛtəroʊkaʊˈdeɪtə//
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Identification
Larvae distinguished from C. hystrix and related by specific morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys; separable by male genitalia structure and abdominal color patterns. Caudal filaments provide additional diagnostic characters. An identification key for larvae of the Caudatella is available in the taxonomic literature.
Distribution
Nearctic region; North America.
Similar Taxa
- Caudatella hystrixClosely related distinguished by morphological differences in male genitalia, abdominal coloration, and caudal filament structure; previously confused in literature
- Caudatella columbiellaFormerly treated as synonym but removed from synonymy with C. heterocaudata; now recognized as valid
- Caudatella circiaPreviously treated as distinct but now synonymized with C. heterocaudata based on type material examination