Ameletus similior

McDunnough, 1928

Ameletus similior is a (Ephemeroptera: Ameletidae) described by McDunnough in 1928. It occurs in western North America from southern British Columbia to Alberta, with identification keys also applicable to Saskatchewan, Montana, and northern Idaho and Washington. The species was previously known as A. monta, which has been synonymized with A. similior. males have practically clear hyaline wings and differ from the similar A. alticolus in genitalic characters.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ameletus similior: //ˈæmɛlɪtəs sɪˈmɪliˌɔr//

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Identification

males have practically clear hyaline wings without brown speckling on cross-. Distinguished from the allied A. alticolus by genitalic characters. Previously misidentified in keys due to wing coloration; corrected keys place it near A. alticolus.

Habitat

Small headwater streams to large rivers; occurs in virtually all drainage basins of western Alberta and the Cypress Hills.

Distribution

Western North America: southern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, eastern British Columbia, Montana, northern Idaho, and northern Washington.

Similar Taxa

  • Ameletus alticolusAllied distinguished from A. similior by genitalic characters; both have similar body plans but differ in male genitalia structure.
  • Ameletus validusPreviously confused in identification keys; A. validus has wings lightly and evenly suffused with brownish-amber rather than clear hyaline wings of A. similior.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Ameletus monta was synonymized with A. similior in Zloty's 1996 revision of Nearctic Ameletus mayflies. The was originally discovered in southern British Columbia in 1935.

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