Nixe horrida
This record describes Nixe horrida (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
- Nixe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
currently recorded from ON in Canada, and ME and PA in the US
Seasonal Activity
holotype male imago collected in June (in ON)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: horrida means "horrible" or "bristly," but McDunnough did not explain the name in his original 1926 description.
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Nixe horrida. 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 Nixe horrida (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lloyd Gonzales
Frequently Asked Questions About Nixe horrida
How big is Nixe horrida?
about 7mm
Where is Nixe horrida found?
Range: currently recorded from ON in Canada, and ME and PA in the US
When is Nixe horrida active?
Nixe horrida: seasonal activity - holotype male imago collected in June (in ON).