EphemeropteraLeptophlebiidae

Turkey Brown

Paraleptophlebia submarginata

This record describes Paraleptophlebia submarginata (species). Recorded family: Leptophlebiidae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.

Identification and Appearance

Turkey Brown - Paraleptophlebia submarginata

Wikipedia reference for Paraleptophlebia submarginata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraleptophlebia_submarginata.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Genus
Paraleptophlebia

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 Paraleptophlebia submarginata. 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.

Explore Ephemeroptera families and species →

Photos of Turkey Brown (3)

Turkey Brown - photo 1
Turkey Brown - photo 2
Turkey Brown - photo 3