Mesocapnia

Raušer, 1968

Mesocapnia is a of small winter stoneflies in the Capniidae. At least one , M. arizonensis, exhibits a specialized adapted to intermittent desert streams, with rapid development during wet periods and dormancy during dry phases. The genus was first described from Russia and has since been recorded from North America and China.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mesocapnia: //ˌmɛsoʊˈkæpniə//

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Habitat

Intermittent streams and temporary flowing waters in desert environments (documented for M. arizonensis). Other occur in cold-water stream typical of Capniidae.

Distribution

Siberia; Russian Far East; Alberta, Canada; Alaska, USA; Arizona, USA; Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

Life Cycle

At least one (M. arizonensis) exhibits rapid development and early instar growth during brief wet periods, followed by extended dormancy during dry phases—a 'hurry up and wait' strategy adapted to unpredictable intermittent stream conditions.

More Details

Taxonomic note

First described from Russia in 1968; first Chinese records reported in 2016 from Inner Mongolia.

Sources and further reading