Siphloplecton simile
This record describes Siphloplecton simile (species). Recorded family: Metretopodidae. Recorded order: Ephemeroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
- Suborder
- Pisciforma
- Family
- Metretopodidae (Cleftfooted Minnow Mayflies)
- Genus
- Siphloplecton
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern US
Seasonal Activity
typically emerges in early spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Berner did not explain the name simile in his original 1978 description. It means "like" or "similar," presumably a reference to its resemblance to S. basale . (He began the description of simile with a comparison to that species.)
About Mayflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Ephemeroptera, the group containing Siphloplecton simile. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Siphloplecton simile
How big is Siphloplecton simile?
10.7 - 12.6mm (male paratypes), 10.4 - 11.9mm (female paratypes, though the female allotype was given as 12.5mm)
Where is Siphloplecton simile found?
Range: Southeastern US
When is Siphloplecton simile active?
Siphloplecton simile: seasonal activity - typically emerges in early spring.