Paraleptophlebia kirchneri
This record describes Paraleptophlebia kirchneri (species). Recorded family: Leptophlebiidae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
- Suborder
- Furcatergalia
- Family
- Leptophlebiidae (Pronggilled Mayflies)
- Genus
- Paraleptophlebia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
originally collected in northcentral TN, so might be expected in parts of the central Appalachians
Seasonal Activity
holotype (male) and paratype (female) originally originally collected in early April, so spring emergence would be expected
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paraleptophlebia kirchneri Kondratieff & Durfee, 1994 - named for Ralph Fred Kirchner, friend and colleague of the senior author
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Paraleptophlebia kirchneri. 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 Paraleptophlebia kirchneri (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lloyd Gonzales
Frequently Asked Questions About Paraleptophlebia kirchneri
How big is Paraleptophlebia kirchneri?
about 6-7mm
Where is Paraleptophlebia kirchneri found?
Range: originally collected in northcentral TN, so might be expected in parts of the central Appalachians
When is Paraleptophlebia kirchneri active?
Paraleptophlebia kirchneri: seasonal activity - holotype (male) and paratype (female) originally originally collected in early April, so spring emergence would be expected.