Little Stout Crawler Mayflies

Leptohyphidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Ephemeroptera
Suborder: Furcatergalia
Infraorder: Pannota
Superfamily: Ephemerelloidea
Family: Leptohyphidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptohyphidae: /ˌlɛptoʊˈhaɪfɪdiː/

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Images

Summary

Leptohyphidae is a family of mayflies characterized by small to medium-sized aquatic insects commonly found in clean, flowing waters of the New World, particularly the neotropics. They exhibit a unique life cycle and play vital roles in freshwater ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the family Leptohyphidae are characterized by their small to medium sizes, often exhibiting flattened bodies and long, slender tails (cerci).

Identification Tips

Look for behaviour typical of crawlers, with larvae often found in flowing waters. They have distinct coloration patterns that vary among genera and species.

Habitat

Leptohyphidae are typically found in clean, flowing freshwater environments such as streams and rivers, often in areas with moderate to fast currents.

Distribution

Primarily found in the New World, they are especially diverse in the neotropical regions, with increased diversity observed in the southwestern United States. Only six species extend their range into Canada.

Diet

Leptohyphidae larvae primarily feed on algae and organic detritus, contributing to the aquatic food web.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Leptohyphidae follows the typical mayfly pattern, consisting of an aquatic nymph stage and a brief adult stage, often emerging in the evening or at night.

Reproduction

Leptohyphidae reproduce through aquatic egg laying, with adults engaging in mating flights over water bodies prior to oviposition.

Predators

Potential predators include fish, amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates, especially during nymph and adult stages.

Ecosystem Role

Leptohyphidae play a significant role in freshwater ecosystems as both prey for larger animals and as important decomposers helping recycle nutrients.

Collecting Methods

Hand net sampling in freshwater environments
Kick sampling in shallow streams

Preservation Methods

Ethanol storage for molecular studies
Drying and mounting on entomological pins

Evolution

Leptohyphidae are part of a lineage that is thought to represent an early offshoot from other mayfly families, exhibiting unique morphological and ecological adaptations.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some individuals may confuse Leptohyphidae with other mayfly families due to their similar size and habitat preferences, but they can be distinguished by their specific tail structure and nymphal characteristics.