order
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Coleoptera
“Adult Beetles”
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Coleoptera
“Larval Beetles”
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Diptera
“True Flies”
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Ephemeroptera
“Mayflies”
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Hemiptera
“True Bugs”
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Lepidoptera
“Aquatic Caterpillars, Snout Moths”
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Megaloptera
“Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies”
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Odonata
“Dragonflies and Damselflies”
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Plecoptera
“Stoneflies”
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Trichoptera
“Caddisflies”
family
Elmidae
Microcylloepus
“Riffle Beetles”
Genus Overview
There are 6 species in North America. Very small, less than 2.2 mm long. Lateral carinae on pronotum.
Characteristics
POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Southeast: 2.1 and higher
Upper Midwest: 3 and higher
0 = least tolerant, 10 = most tolerant
FEEDING HABITS
Collector / Gatherer
Scraper / Grazer
Shredder / Herbivore
Scraper / Grazer
Shredder / Herbivore
MOVEMENT
Burrower
Climber
Clinger
Climber
Clinger
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread (east of the Rocky Mtns.)
HABITAT
Lotic-depositional
Lotic-erosional
Lotic-erosional
Diagnostic Characters
Order
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Elytra
Family
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5-Segmented Tarsi
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Big Claws
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Last Tarsal Segment
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Thread-like Antennae
Genus
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Epipleura
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Prosternal Process
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Tomentum of tibia
+ Expanded Character List
Order:
Adults with hardened forewings (elytra) covering the hind wings.
Family:
Terminal segment of each antenna no longer than combined length of 2 preceding segments; antennae thread-like. Elytra concealing entire abdomen or exposing only part of 1 tergite. Each leg with 5 tarsal segments, last tarsal segment about as long as other segments combined and with big claws. Abdomen with 5 visible segments.
Genus:
Very small, less than 2.2 mm long. Lateral carinae on pronotum. Prosterum process with posterior margin width less than head.
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Dorsal
Ventral