ISONYCHIA SICCA

ISONYCHIA SICCA

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Isonychia sicca
BRUSHLEGGED MAYFLY FAMILY (Isonychiidae)

Description
This delicate mayfly is approximately 1/2 inch or 12 mm in length and has been identified by volunteers at BugGuide as a subimago. The body is a light brown color and the legs and tails are a light tan. The wings are heavily veined and somewhat cloudy. The forewings are large and triangular and the hindwings are much smaller. After a few hours, the subimago will molt a final time into an adult, or imago.

Occurrence
These mayflies are common in this area and can be seen from spring to fall in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. They can be found on vegetation near water and also are attracted to lights.

Comments
These insects are an important source of food for fish and other aquatic wildlife. Most larvae develop in streams and rivers that are well oxygenated and generally free of pollution, so they are indicators of relatively clean water.

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