Analetris

Edmunds, 1972

Species Guides

Analetris eximia

Analetris is a of sand-dwelling mayflies in the Acanthametropodidae, established by Edmunds in 1972. The genus contains at least two : the extant Analetris eximia and the extinct †Analetris secundus. Members of this genus are specialized inhabitants of riverine environments with unstable silty substrates. The best-studied species, A. eximia, is considered endangered due to destruction from construction.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Analetris: //ˌænəˈlɛtrɪs//

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Habitat

River backwaters adjacent to main current; areas with unstable silty substrate unaffected by . For A. eximia specifically: backwaters in the Saskatchewan River system and historically the Colorado system via Missouri tributaries.

Distribution

North America: Saskatchewan River system (current primary range); Colorado River system (historical source, Missouri tributaries). One (†A. secundus) described from fossil material.

Seasonality

For A. eximia: nymphs present May through July; in late July. Timing for other unknown.

Diet

For A. eximia: , with chironomids as the primary prey item based on field-collected specimens. Diet of other unknown.

Life Cycle

For A. eximia: nymphal development occurs during May, June, and July; emerge in late July. details for other unknown.

Behavior

Nymphs of A. eximia are morphologically adapted to life on unstable silty substrates in river backwaters.

Ecological Role

on chironomids in river backwater . Specialized inhabitant of unstable silty substrate that may support distinct .

Human Relevance

A. eximia is considered endangered due to destruction from construction. The represents a specialized lineage of mayflies vulnerable to river regulation and habitat modification.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The placement has changed historically; A. eximia was originally described in Siphlonuridae ( Acanthametropodinae) and later moved to Acanthametropodidae when that family was elevated.

Extinct species

†Analetris secundus Godunko & Klonowska-Olejnik, 2006 is known from fossil material, indicating the had broader temporal and potentially geographic distribution in the past.

Conservation status

Endangered status applies specifically to A. eximia based on 1976 assessment; conservation status of the as a whole has not been formally evaluated.