Double gill mayfly (Mauiulus)

Taxonomic group

Leptophlebiidae: Mauiulus

Diagnostic features

Mauiulus mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, slender double gills and no sharp abdominal spines. The prothorax (segment immediately behind the head) does not widen towards the head.

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

[Mauiulus]. Slender abdominal gills. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Mauiulus. Slender abdominal gills. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Mauiulus larvae are less common than other mayflies like Zephlebia or Austroclima but they can be found in gravelly or weedy streams.

Feeding

Leptophlebiid mayflies feed by scraping diatom algae and other organic matter from stone or plant surfaces.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 5
Soft bottom: 4.1

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

Mauiulus larvae occur in streams and rivers with moderate to good water quality. They have tolerance values of 5 (hard bottom sites) and 4.1 (soft bottom sites).