Maccaffertium smithae
This record describes Maccaffertium smithae (species). Recorded family: Heptageniidae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.
Identification and Appearance
From everything I have read the only possible species that fits this sample is (Maccaffertium smithae) it also has the right geographical range. The fact that the spiracular spots are well above the spirical folds and it has the median tergite longitudinal line point to that species. [ Stenonema Rangers of Ontario ]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
- Suborder
- Pisciforma
- Superfamily
- Heptagenioidea
- Family
- Heptageniidae (Flatheaded Mayflies)
- Genus
- Maccaffertium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Maccaffertium smithae. 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 Maccaffertium smithae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich