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Ecdyonurinae

Larval Diagnosis

All known Ecdyonurinae are easily identified by the unique scattered setae on the ventral surface of the maxillae (Figs. 49-51). Additionally, the planate mandible has a single terminal denticle (Fig. 42) and the anal margin of the lamellae of gills 1 are usually concave, giving them a banana shape, allowing them to curve over the abdomen (Fig. 88). In some genera, however, the lamellae of gills one are reduced, absent, or lack the banana shape.

Kluge (2004) indicated that the shape of the distal dentisetae on the maxillae varies among the genera (dentisetae are the thickened, enlarged setae on the medial margin of the maxillae posterior to the incisors and between the dorsal and ventral rows of setae). The shape of the setae on the ventral surface of the maxillae parallels differences in the dentisetae, but is easier to observe as there are no other setae obscuring them. Those groups Kluge (2004) indicated as having a simple distal dentisetae have fimbriate setae on the ventral surface (Fig. 51), whereas the groups with branched distal dentisetae have simple setae on the ventral surface (Fig. 49). Because they are more easily observed, in the following diagnoses we only refer to the shape of the ventral setae.

Adult Diagnosis

Adults of Ecdyonurinae can be identified by having the medial depression of mesothoracic furcasternum parallel sided or divergent anteriorly (Fig. 118). The shape of the penes in Ecdyonurinae varies, but are generally distinctive in having both the lateral and apical sclerites curve over the dorsal surface.

Distribution

Holarctic, Afrotroptical, Oriental.

Figures