Ameletus vernalis

McDunnough, 1924

combmouthed minnow mayfly

Ameletus vernalis is a of combmouthed minnow in the . It is found in southwestern Canada and the western United States, particularly in western Alberta where it occurs across diverse watersheds from small headwater streams to large rivers. The species was described by McDunnough in 1924, and its were associated with through field work in southern British Columbia in 1935.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ameletus vernalis: /əˈmɛlətəs vɜrˈneɪlɪs/

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Identification

Ameletus vernalis can be distinguished from other Ameletus using morphological for and . The species is part of a diverse where up to 12 species may co-occur at a single site in southwestern Alberta. Identification keys for Ameletus vernalis are applicable across Alberta, Saskatchewan, eastern British Columbia, Montana, and northern Idaho and Washington. Specific diagnostic characters for this species are described in taxonomic literature.

Habitat

Found in small headwater spring brooks to larger rivers across virtually all watersheds of western Alberta and the Cypress Hills. The occupies running water ranging from headwater streams to large river systems.

Distribution

Southwestern Canada and western United States. Specifically documented from western Alberta (including southwestern Alberta and Cypress Hills), southern British Columbia, and regions covered by identification including Saskatchewan, eastern British Columbia, Montana, northern Idaho, and Washington.

Life Cycle

hatch in autumn; grow through winter months and emerge as in spring. This seasonal pattern aligns with the epithet 'vernalis' (spring).

Similar Taxa

Ameletus inopinatusBoth are Ameletus with spring ; however, A. inopinatus is a montane restricted to cold water streams above 300m in the UK and Europe, while A. vernalis occurs across broader elevation ranges in western North America.
Other Ameletus species in AlbertaUp to 12 Ameletus can co-occur at single sites in southwestern Alberta; A. vernalis is distinguished through specific morphological characters in published identification .

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was originally described by McDunnough in 1924. were associated with during field work in southern British Columbia in 1935 by A.N. Gartrell. Male adults were described by Zloty (1996).

Regional diversity context

Ameletus reaches its greatest diversity in southwestern Alberta, where A. vernalis is one of 13 documented in the province. The Ameletus includes 30 bisexual species recognized from North America.