Ephemerellidae
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[edit] Spiny Crawler Mayflies
Ephemerellidae are known as the spiny crawler mayflies. They are a family of the order Ephemoptera. There are 8 genera consisting of a total 90 species (Merritt & Cummins). They are distributed throughout North America. Their Habitat is Lotic-erosional, they are found in all sizes of flowing streams on different types of substrates where there is reduced flow. They are even found on the shores of lakes where there wave action present. They move by swimming and clinging, they are very well camouflaged. Most species have one generation per year. They are mostly collector-gatherers.
If threatened by a predator the larva will raise its 3 tails in a "scorpion posture" to appear larger. It will then project its tails in front and poke the enemy. Most species are sensitive to disturbance.
[edit] References
1 - Voshell, J.R. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward. Blacksburg, Va. 2002.
2 - Merritt and Cummins. An Introduction to the Aquatic insects of North America 3rd ed. Kendall Hunt. Dubuque, Iowa. 1996.
