Burrowing mayfly (Ichthybotus)

Taxonomic group

Ephemeridae: Ichthybotus

Diagnostic features

Ichthybotus mayfly nymphs have delicate slender bodies, feather-like gills, fringed caudal filaments (“tails”) and tusk-like mandibles extending in front of the head.

[Ichthybotus]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Ichthybotus. Image: Stephen Moore

[Ichthybotus]. Feather-like abdominal gills. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Ichthybotus. Feather-like abdominal gills. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Ichthybotus larvae burrow into the gravelly beds of streams with cool and well aerated water.

Feeding

They are thought to be “collector-gatherers”, feeding on organic matter trapped in the streambed.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 8
Soft bottom: 9.2

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

The presence of Ichthybotus suggests good habitat and water quality conditions, especially if other mayfly or stonefly groups are abundant. Ichthybotus has tolerance values of 8 (hard bottom sites) and 9.2 (soft bottom sites).