Neoephemera purpurea
This record describes Neoephemera purpurea (species). Recorded family: Neoephemeridae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Projections on anterolateral margin of mesonotum pronounced
Wikipedia reference for Neoephemera purpurea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoephemera_purpurea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
- Suborder
- Furcatergalia
- Superfamily
- Ephemerelloidea
- Family
- Neoephemeridae (Large Squaregill Mayfly)
- Genus
- Neoephemera (Large Squaregill Mayfly)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mid-sized, clearwater rivers; usually associated with riffles, often on submerged woody debris or associated with small clumbs of marginal emergent vegetation.
Geographic Range
Southeaastern United States, from West Virginia / Virginia to Tennessee, North & South Carolina, and Georgia
Seasonal Activity
South Carolina populations with mature nymphs from late March to early May
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Neoephemera purpurea. 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 Neoephemera purpurea (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Greg Courtney
Frequently Asked Questions About Neoephemera purpurea
What is Neoephemera purpurea?
Neoephemera purpurea is a species in the family Neoephemeridae, within the order Ephemeroptera.
How big is Neoephemera purpurea?
Nymphs to 14-17 mm
How do you identify Neoephemera purpurea?
Projections on anterolateral margin of mesonotum pronounced
Where is Neoephemera purpurea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mid-sized, clearwater rivers; usually associated with riffles, often on submerged woody debris or associated with small clumbs of marginal emergent vegetation. |
| Range | Southeaastern United States, from West Virginia / Virginia to Tennessee, North & South Carolina, and Georgia |
When is Neoephemera purpurea active?
Neoephemera purpurea: seasonal activity - South Carolina populations with mature nymphs from late March to early May.