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Photo#631
Mayfly - Hexagenia

Mayfly - Hexagenia
Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia, USA
May 25, 2001

Moved
Moved from Mayflies.

Mayfly (Potamanthus)
Looks very much like a subimago of Potamanthus sp. (Ephemeroidea: Potamanthidae). Likely P.distinctus (head/body 13-16mm with red-brown tail segment joints). Other possibilities; P.neglectus (8-10mm, black tail joints) or P.verticus (8-10mm).

 
Ephemeridae
This is a female subimago Hexagenia, probably one of the limbata morphs.

 
Bullae...
veination seems a bit more consistant with Potamanthidae. Also the MA and MA2 proportions seem a bit more Pota. Be nice to compare the curve of MP2 vs. CuA. The costal projection of the hind wing is vague in the image, this would also help. Comments???

 
Hex vs. Anthopotamus
Kerry,
This is a female Hexagenia subimago, and it is most likely limbata. H. limbata is the most common and widespread Hex in North America, and (as David suggests) its variable coloration/markings can make it appear quite different in different locations.

Anthopotamus (formerly Potamanthus) has a slightly more slender body, sometimes with a pale orange band or spots along the lateral midline. Although it may not be clear from this angle, the real tip-off is that Anthopotamus has three "tails" (though the median caudal filament is slightly shorter and thinner than the cerci). Hexagenia has only a vestigial stub between the cerci.

I hope that helps.

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