Mayflies Taken at the Archbold Biological Station, Highlands County, Florida

Abstract

Florida is relatively poor in species of mayflies. Approximately 500 are known from North America, but according to Berner (1950), only 41 have been taken in Florida. They are even less abundant in the southern areas of the state. Five species have been taken in light traps operated at the Archbold Biological Station. Caenis diminuta Walker and Callibaetis pretiosus Banks were frequent visitors to the light traps. Stenonema interpunctatum (Say), Callibaetis floridanus Banks, and Centroptilum viridocularis Berner were rare catches. Hexagenia munda orlando Traver may occur in this area but has never been taken in light traps. It is a more seasonal species and emerges during June, July, and August, a period when the light traps were not operated. The distribution and habits of the Florida mayflies were summarized by Berner (1950).