order
Coleoptera
“Adult Beetles”
Coleoptera
“Larval Beetles”
Diptera
“True Flies”
Ephemeroptera
“Mayflies”
Hemiptera
“True Bugs”
Lepidoptera
“Aquatic Caterpillars, Snout Moths”
Megaloptera
“Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies”
Odonata
“Dragonflies and Damselflies”
Plecoptera
“Stoneflies”
Trichoptera
“Caddisflies”
family
Elmidae
Microcylloepus
“Riffle Beetles”
Genus Overview
There are 6 species in North America. Very small, less than 2.2 mm long. Lateral carinae on pronotum.
Characteristics
POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Southeast: 2.1 and higher
Upper Midwest: 3 and higher
FEEDING HABITS
Collector / Gatherer
Scraper / Grazer
Shredder / Herbivore
Scraper / Grazer
Shredder / Herbivore
MOVEMENT
Burrower
Climber
Clinger
Climber
Clinger
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread (east of the Rocky Mtns.)
HABITAT
Lotic-depositional
Lotic-erosional
Lotic-erosional
Diagnostic Characters
order
Elytra
family
5-Segmented Tarsi
Big Claws
Last Tarsal Segment
Thread-like Antennae
genus
Epipleura
Prosternal Process
Tomentum of tibia
+ Expanded Character List
Order:
Adults with hardened forewings (elytra) covering the hind wings.
Family:
Terminal segment of each antenna no longer than combined length of 2 preceding segments; antennae thread-like. Elytra concealing entire abdomen or exposing only part of 1 tergite. Each leg with 5 tarsal segments, last tarsal segment about as long as other segments combined and with big claws. Abdomen with 5 visible segments.
Genus:
Very small, less than 2.2 mm long. Lateral carinae on pronotum. Prosterum process with posterior margin width less than head.
Dorsal
Ventral