Zapada cinctipes
(Banks, 1897)
Common Forestfly
Zapada cinctipes, the common forestfly, is a small in the . measure 5–8 mm in body length and emerge primarily from mid-March to mid-April, with some appearing as early as late February. The is , completing one per year. are aquatic that feed on decaying leaf material in flowing waters.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Zapada cinctipes: /zəˈpɑːdə ˈsɪŋktɪˌpiːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are distinguished by retained cervical from the larval stage—two sets of branched gills on each side of the body, a diagnostic trait for the Zapada. Adults are small (5–8 mm body length), , and active runners that when startled.
Images
Habitat
inhabit flowing waters where they cling to submerged rocks and heavy objects. are often found on bridges or logs spanning streams and creeks.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, and Colorado.
Seasonality
begins as early as late February, with peak activity from mid-March to mid-April.
Diet
feed on vegetable matter, primarily decaying leaves that fall into the water; they function as in aquatic . diet is not documented.
Life Cycle
: one per year. develop in aquatic environments before emerging as .
Behavior
exhibit underwater behavioral , entering water to survive subzero night temperatures rather than relying on physiological . Adults are active runners on streamside surfaces and readily when disturbed.
Ecological Role
serve as , processing coarse particulate matter (decaying leaves) in stream . The is moderately tolerant of pollution and human disturbance compared to other , making it a useful but less sensitive indicator of water quality.
Human Relevance
Important to anglers as part of "hatches." Used as an indicator of stream health, though less sensitive to pollution than many other .
Similar Taxa
- Zapada (other species)Other Zapada share the diagnostic branched cervical ; Z. cinctipes is distinguished by its (one year) versus 2–3 years in some .
- Other NemouridaeLack the paired branched cervical retained in Zapada; adults of other lack this structure.