This aquatic insect was collected from the South Fork Snoqualmie River. Can you identify it by any of the following? Lifestage: Order common name: Order taxonomic name: Family common name: Family taxonomic name: Genus taxonomic name: Species taxonomic name:
Looks like a mayfly nymph Order Ephemeroptera (Mayflies) Family Leptophlebiidae - Pronggilled Mayflies » Genus Paraleptophlebia (Blue Quills and Mahogany Duns) I am thinking the forked nonfeathery gills is a key clue
Given the tusks I am going to say Species bicornuta (Mahogany Dun) Here is what Hafele says http://www.laughingrivers.com/rick-slate-winged_mahogany_dun.html "Recognizing Paraleptophlebia from other mayflies is relatively easy. The most distinctive feature of nymphs is their slender forked (often called “tuning fork”) gills on abdominal segments 1-7. Nymphs also have three prominent tails of equal length. Nymphs overall appear rather delicate, especially when compared to the more robust nymphs of the family Ephemerellidae. Two western species, P. bicornuta and P. packi, have unique mandibles that form large sickle shaped tusks projecting out in front of the head. Mature nymphs have well formed black wingpads and reach lengths of six to about ten millimeters excluding their tails (1/4 – 3/8 inches). Most nymphs will be light tan to brown in color.
Good job, Jay. IDENTIFICATIONS Lifestage: nymph (jwg) Order common name: Ephemeroptera (jwg) Order taxonomic name: Mayflies (jwg) Family common name: Leptophlebiidae (jwg) Family taxonomic name: Pronggilled Mayflies (jwg) Genus common name: Blue Quills and Mahogany Duns (jwg) Genus taxonomic name: Paraleptophlebia (jwg) Species taxonomic name: bicornuta (jwg)
