Ameletus validus

McDunnough, 1923

combmouthed minnow mayfly

Ameletus validus is a of in the Ameletidae, first described by McDunnough in 1923. It is one of approximately 30 bisexual species recognized in the Ameletus across North America. The species occurs in running waters from small headwater streams to large rivers, with documented in western North America including Alberta, British Columbia, and the western United States. Taxonomic work has clarified that wings are lightly and evenly suffused with brownish-amber, not speckled as previously miskeyed.

Aquatic insects of California, with keys to North American genera and California species (1956) (19747665675) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ameletus validus: //əˈmɛlɪtəs ˈvælɪdəs//

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Identification

wings are lightly and evenly suffused with brownish-amber (not speckled with brown-margined cross- as incorrectly keyed by Traver 1935). Distinguished from the similar Ameletus shepardi by darker-colored abdominal segments. Identification keys for Alberta are applicable across Saskatchewan, eastern British Columbia, Montana, and northern Idaho and Washington.

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Habitat

Running waters from headwater spring brooks to larger rivers. Found in virtually all drainage basins of western Alberta and the Cypress Hills.

Distribution

Southwestern Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan), western United States, and Alaska. Particularly well-documented in southwestern Alberta where is highest; identification keys applicable to Montana, northern Idaho, and Washington.

Similar Taxa

  • Ameletus shepardiSimilar wing appearance but distinguished by paler abdominal segments; both keyed together in caption 6 of Traver's key
  • Ameletus similiorBoth were incorrectly keyed by Traver (1935) under caption 1; A. similior has practically clear hyaline wings unlike the suffused wings of A. validus

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