“Burrowing Mayflies”
Family Overview
Ephemeridae
Burrowing Mayflies
Larvae of the mayfly family Ephemeridae have large, distinct mandibular tusks projecting forward from the head, used to help burrow in soft silty sand or marl along the edges of still-water habitats or along the quiet parts of streams. They react negatively to light and immediately burrow back into the sediment if removed. Larvae also have feathery gills along the abdomen, giving them a rather “fluffy” appearance from the dorsal side. They are able to undulate these gills in order to increase flow of water for oxygen intake, which is especially important in the burrows where there is little water flow. The adults of this group are popular for fly-fishing enthusiasts because they are relatively large, and the duns (flying subadults) emerge in large numbers. The larvae are also sometimes used as bait.
Characteristics
POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Mid-Atlantic: up to 6
Upper Midwest: 1 - 6
Midwest: up to 3.1
Southeast: 0 - 4.7
0 = least tolerant, 10 = most tolerant
FEEDING HABITS
Collector / Filterer
Collector / Gatherer
Engulfer / Predator
Collector / Gatherer
Engulfer / Predator
MOVEMENT
Burrower
Diagnostic Characters
Media
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