Ephoron leukon

Williamson, 1802

white fly

Ephoron leukon, commonly known as the white fly, is a of pale burrower in the Polymitarcyidae. Nymphs are burrowing and inhabit tubular burrows associated with stones in river rapids, particularly in fine silt deposits. The species undergoes dramatic morphological changes during early nymphal development, including specialized mouthpart modifications for filter feeding and progressive elaboration of abdominal gills.

Bulletin (1953) (20427829945) by Illinois. Natural History Survey Division. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ephoron leukon: /ˈɛfərɒn ˈljuːkɒn/

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Identification

Nymphs can be distinguished from other burrowing mayflies by their association with tubular burrows in specific microhabitats—stones partly embedded in fine grey silt rather than loose stones. Early instar nymphs exhibit distinctive mandibular tusks that outgrow from the proper, galealacinia and palps of the , and a split into multiple lobes with dense setal brushes. Abdominal gills originate as short threads and progressively develop long thin marginal extensions, basal branching into two separate , and additional structural adornments.

Images

Habitat

River rapids with stones partly embedded in fine grey silt originating from shale breakdown. Nymphs construct tubular burrows in this specific microhabitat and are not found on loose stones.

Distribution

North America. Documented from the Credit River near Erindale, Ontario, Canada.

Seasonality

Nymphs observed in June. Full-grown nymphs present by summer (1934 collection data). Time of day affects collecting success.

Diet

Filter feeding. Nymphs possess dense brushes of setae on mouthparts functioning in filter feeding.

Life Cycle

Nymphal development includes early instars with progressive morphological changes. Very nymphs found in June; full-grown nymphs present in subsequent months. Mature mouthparts and abdominal gills develop during early nymphal ontogeny, potentially facilitating transitions.

Behavior

Nymphs are burrowers that cling to sides and bottom of stones within remnants of their tubes. Collecting success depends on time of day and specific microhabitat conditions.