Temporary-ponds
Guides
Dendrocephalus
fairy shrimp
Dendrocephalus is a genus of fairy shrimp (Anostraca) in the family Thamnocephalidae, distributed across South and North America. The genus is characterized by a distinctive antenna-like frontal appendage arising between the second antennae and the eyestalks. It comprises approximately 17 species arranged in two subgenera: Dendrocephalus (South American species) and Dendrocephalinus (North American species). Several species have been described recently, with ongoing taxonomic work revealing intra-populational polymorphism in frontal appendage morphology.
Glyphopsyche
Glyphopsyche is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) established by Banks in 1904. The genus contains at least three described species: G. irrorata, G. missouri, and G. sequatchie. Glyphopsyche irrorata has been documented with an unusual life history strategy among caddisflies: overwintering as an adult rather than in the larval stage.
Siphlonuridae
primitive minnow mayfly
Siphlonuridae, commonly called primitive minnow mayflies, is a family of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) characterized by morphological traits considered ancestral within the order. Members are adapted to cool waters and occur across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The family includes approximately six extant genera: Ameletoides, Edmundsius, Parameletus, Siphlonisca, Siphlonurus, and the former genus Metretopus (now sometimes placed in Siphlonuridae). Nymphs inhabit diverse freshwater habitats including temporary ponds, streams, and floodplains, with habitat preferences often shifting during ontogeny.
Siphlonurus
primitive minnow mayflies, gray drakes
Siphlonurus is a genus of primitive minnow mayflies in the family Siphlonuridae, comprising more than 40 described species. Species inhabit temporary and intermittent ponds, with nymphal development occurring during spring months and adult emergence in late May to June. Adults are non-feeding and rely on energy reserves accumulated during the aquatic larval stage. The genus is notable among fly fishers for species such as Siphlonurus quebecensis (early brown quill), which is imitated with specialized fly patterns.