A review of Asian mayfly species of Habrophlebiodes (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)

Abstract

The mayfly genus Habrophlebiodes Ulmer, 1920 has four Asian species (three from China). To show the real characters of Asian species and to ensure the differences between the two clades of the genus, we studied all three endemic Chinese species (H. gilliesi Peters, 1963, H. tenella Kang & Yang, 1994, H. zijinensis You & Gui, 1995) with examining specimens from more than 30 sites. Adults of Chinese Habrophlebiodes can be separated by the male genitalia, female ovipositor and spots on adult wings, nymphs can be recognized by the abdominal color and prostheca shape of mandibles. Comparatively, the fourth species H. prominens Ulmer, 1939 is more different by its longer apical segment of maxillary palpi and colored wings. A key to the four Asian species is given. The status of the latter species, the exact difference between Asian and American clades, and their distribution pattern need more fresh materials to confirm.