Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity






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insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: aquatic

Feeding Habits
Adults: non-feeding
Immatures: phytophagous

Size: 2 to 12 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species:
7 in Canada


Ephemeroptera Baetidae
Small mayflies

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts:

Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Baetidae are small, usually less than 12 mm (excluding the tails). The females are usually brown while the males are pale and sometimes have abdominal segments 2 to 6 transparent. The front legs of the male are longer than the others. In both sexes, the front wings are elongated and oval, and the hind wings are very small or lacking. They have only two caudal filaments, ulike many other mayflies, which have three.

Comments: The naiaids (immatures) have long antennae and long legs and three caudal filaments. They are common in mud of still waters, and in warm shallow and rapid water. They are more tolerant of water pollution than many other mayflies.

Species:
Baetis sp.

Common Name:

Distribution: