Factors structuring patterns of Ephemeroptera (mayflies) species assemblages in different segments of the Western Ghats of peninsular India—a snapshot

Abstract

Species assemblage patterns of the mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in different segments of the Western Ghats (WG) of peninsular India including those on “sky islands” are presented. An updated checklist of species of WG mayflies is provided and sorted by traits of individual species and supplemented by personal observations. Comparisons are made in this context with patterns of current distribution of some ancient lineages of myriapods, amphibians and birds from the WG focusing on relative roles of geographical barriers (gaps), paleoclimatic, eco-evolutionary scenarios and anthropogenic impacts. This is to highlight the need to prioritize conservation of this rapidly shrinking precious biological heritage. Future work on molecular aspects of intra- and interspecific diversity of mayflies, which are “sentinels of inland water ecosystem health” should be augmented in tune with current research trends in montane “sky islands” especially from adjacent Oriental tropics.