Ameletus subnotatus

Eaton, 1885

combmouthed minnow mayfly

Ameletus subnotatus is a of combmouthed minnow in the Ameletidae. It is one of 13 bisexual Ameletus species documented in Alberta, Canada, where it occurs across virtually all hydrographic basins from small headwater streams to large rivers. The species is found throughout Canada and extends into the northern and southwestern United States.

Ameletid mayfly, Ameletus subnotatus (26007830690) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Ameletus subnotatus (26232877516) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Ameletid mayfly, Ameletus subnotatus (25677980423) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ameletus subnotatus: /æmˈɛlɪtəs sʌbnoʊˈtætəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

males of Ameletus subnotatus were described by Zloty (1996). Late-instar larvae and adult females can be distinguished using diagnostic characters described in Alberta-specific identification keys, which are also applicable to Saskatchewan, eastern British Columbia, Montana, and northern Idaho and Washington. The Ameletus reaches its greatest diversity in southwestern Alberta, where up to 12 may co-occur at a single site, requiring careful examination for accurate identification.

Images

Habitat

Occurs in virtually all hydrographic basins of western Alberta and the Cypress Hills, ranging from small headwater spring brooks to larger rivers. In Alberta, it is found across diverse stream sizes and types.

Distribution

Canada (all provinces and territories); northern United States; southwestern United States. Specifically documented across Alberta with highest in the southwestern part of the province. Identification keys applicable to Saskatchewan, eastern British Columbia, Montana, and northern Idaho and Washington.

Similar Taxa

Ameletus inopinatusBoth are Ameletus found in cold-water stream , but A. inopinatus is a predominantly montane species in Europe (not North America) restricted to higher elevations and sensitive to climate warming, whereas A. subnotatus has a broader North American distribution across varied elevations and stream sizes.
Other Ameletus species in AlbertaA. bellulus, A. celer, A. cooki, A. majusculus, A. oregonensis, A. pritchardi, A. similior, A. sparsatus, A. suffusus, A. validus, A. velox, and A. vernalis all co-occur with A. subnotatus in Alberta, with up to 12 potentially present at a single southwestern Alberta site, requiring use of diagnostic keys for separation.

More Details

Taxonomic documentation

Male described by Zloty (1996, The Canadian Entomologist 128: 293–346). Late-instar larvae and adult females described in subsequent Alberta-focused work with illustrated diagnostic characters.