Mayfly naiad (Drunella?) - Drunella cornuta

Moved

Moved from Drunella lata. See comment on this image:

… Charley Eiseman, 15 January, 2009 - 9:50pm

New ID complications

Luke Jacobus recently notified me of his (global) revision of the Ephemerellinae. Under a prior revision of Drunella, the former D. cornuta and D. cornutella were synonomized with D. lata. However, recent work by David Funk, et al. has led to a reinstatement of those species in the new Jacobus/McCafferty revision. Work on the lata "species complex" continues.

The only guidance that I can offer about the identity of this nymph under the revised taxonomic scheme is based on personal experience in my home state of PA. I see the larger (9-11mm) cornuta nymphs typically emerging in late May or very early June in 3rd or 4th order streams, but they can be delayed (mid-late July) in the colder 1st or 2nd order streams. The smaller (6-8mm) cornutella usually follows, with lata (also 6-8mm) the last to emerge. Except for the size difference, cornuta and cornutella are nearly identical in appearance. The more distinctive lata nymphs often show a darker overall coloration with bright green, yellow, or orange accents on the pronotum, femurs, and toward the end of the abdomen. Although all three often share the same streams, cornuta is the dominant population in the streams (large and small) that I know well.

I'm sorry if I've complicated things, Jonas, but I was happy to see your photographs of this nymph. From a fly-fishing standpoint, D. cornuta is my favorite mayfly!

… Lloyd Gonzales, 11 September, 2008 - 1:13pm

Oh, nonsense

You haven't made anything more complicated then it already is (that's taxonomy!) I know allot of the aquatic insects are a great source of grief due impart to regional variations & the diversity of sizes the individuals of a species can be (to name but two of a number of sources of confusion).
Thank you very much, though. :)

It's been a while since I've posted any new photos... I should really do something about that. :P

… Jonas Insinga, 14 September, 2008 - 3:40pm

Yeah, I know what you mean...

and just when I finally got used to calling them all lata. Oh well, I look forward to seeing more of your photographs, Jonas. :)

… Lloyd Gonzales, 14 September, 2008 - 6:06pm

Ephemerellidae: Drunella lata

Very common in the White Mountains this year.

… Donald S. Chandler, 6 August, 2008 - 5:57pm

Think he'll mind?

Given that he has an account on this site, and has been frequently posting identifications of his photos in recent months, I'm sure you will find out if he minds. Another clue might be whether (or not) he uses your services for insect collection in the future.

… Roger Rohrbeck, 5 August, 2008 - 8:20pm

Well, worse case

we can fass these & replace them with his (much better) photos (I'm envious of his photography equipment). ^U^
lol

Mostly these are just for my own personal collection. I took photos of fungi and amphibians while I was up there, too, but neither of those can be posted on BugGuide for identification (and at least the amphibians I can do without much help, although I do know a Cordyceps when I see one... that was about the only fungus I could identify up there.) XD

Thanks anyways. :)

… Jonas Insinga, 6 August, 2008 - 5:51am