Epeorus margarita
This record describes Epeorus margarita (species). Recorded family: Heptageniidae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
- Suborder
- Pisciforma
- Superfamily
- Heptagenioidea
- Family
- Heptageniidae (Flatheaded Mayflies)
- Genus
- Epeorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
A Western species, currently recorded from AZ, CA, and NM.
Seasonal Activity
Holotype, allotype, and paratypes (imagos) collected in May/June in AZ.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Mabel Marguerite Alexander, wife of the collector of the holotype, Dr. C. P. Alexander.
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Epeorus margarita. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epeorus margarita
How big is Epeorus margarita?
10-11mm (the length given for both the male and female imagos in the original description, Edmunds & Allen 1964)
Where is Epeorus margarita found?
Range: A Western species, currently recorded from AZ, CA, and NM.
When is Epeorus margarita active?
Epeorus margarita: seasonal activity - Holotype, allotype, and paratypes (imagos) collected in May/June in AZ..