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Small minnow fly

Fam. Baetidae

Photo by Tiz
Published on Project Noah
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-26.1784, 32.0442

Field Notes

Description:

Some kind of Mayfly? Body Size about 1 cm.

Habitat:

Meadowland, close to a River.
(Mbuluzi Gorge, Mlawula Nature reserve)

Notes:

Baetidae is a family of mayflies with about 900 described species distributed worldwide. The males often have very large eyes, shaped like turrets above the head (this is known as "turbinate condition").
Baetids breed in a wide range of waters from lakes and streams to ditches and even water butts. The nymphs are strong swimmers and feed mainly on algae.

Reference Links:

Baetidae

Species ID Suggestions

Small minnow fly

Baetidae

Reference Link
KateBraun
1

Comments (7)
luteum stenonema
The compound eyes are incorrect for baetis of any kind. It is in the superfamily of Heptageniidae. With the eyes almost touching suggest the genus Epeorus.
Tiz
Lets go for that Kate :) Thanks a lot!
KateBraun
This might be a small minnow fly (Baetidae), one of the types of mayflies: http://www.ispotnature.org/node/564390
Tiz
It is a bit bizarre, and cartoony-looking! I hope that an ID will be suggested one day too Tom, but I have low expectations... Thank you for your comments :)
Tom15
Nice mayfly Tina! Hope you get it identified further.
pamsai
Amazing Tiz, such a bizarre looking creature...
Photographed
PublishedApril 2, 2014

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