Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)

Mayflies are members of a small, but diverse order of aquatic insects that dates back some 290. My. Mayflies are widely distributed on all continents and most large islands. Currently, the order contains about 3100. species distributed among 42 extant families. Adults are fully terrestrial and short lived, but the aquatic nymphs can live for more than a year and are important components of nutrient and energy pathways in a wide range of aquatic habitats. Higher classification and phylogeny of the mayflies are still in a state of flux, but evidence is accumulating providing stronger support for some groups. Alpha-level taxonomy still remains a problem and much work remains to be done in some genera and in some parts of the world. Extensive morphological studies have provided a solid base of knowledge, but similarly intense physiological, histological, and immunological studies are needed. Much work has been done on the ecology of genera and some species. Much finer scale ecological studies are needed to better understand the importance of small-scale ecological interactions among instars of the same and different species. Globally, there are many surveys in progress to document and map the occurrence and distribution of species. This work is critical to developing conservation strategies for mayflies and other vulnerable aquatic species. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Journal Abbreviation: Encycl. of Inland Waters