Caenis amica
This record describes Caenis amica (species). Recorded family: Caenidae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Caenis amica: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caenis_amica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
- Suborder
- Furcatergalia
- Superfamily
- Caenoidea
- Family
- Caenidae (Small Squaregilled Mayflies)
- Subfamily
- Caeninae
- Genus
- Caenis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental, found in most US states and across Canada from BC to NF
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Caenis amica Hagen, 1861 - the specific epithet means friend or beloved.
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Caenis amica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Ephemeroptera (mayflies) includes ~3,500 described species. Adult mayflies are famous for their extraordinarily short lifespans - some species live as adults for only 5 minutes to 24 hours, the shortest adult lifespan of any insect.
Ecological role of the group
Mayfly nymphs spend 1-2 years developing in freshwater before emerging as adults. They are key bioindicators - their presence indicates clean, well-oxygenated water. They are also a primary food source for freshwater fish.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Mayfly hatches are so massive they appear on weather radar - a 2014 Mississippi River hatch near La Crosse, Wisconsin was tracked by the National Weather Service. Mass emergences can cause slippery road conditions and traffic hazards.
Recorded sources for this group: National Weather Service, EPA bioassessment protocols. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Caenis amica (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lloyd Gonzales