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Guide to New Zealand's freshwater invertebrates
Swimming mayfly
(
Nesameletidae
: Nesameletus
)
Diagnostic features
Nesameletus mayfly nymphs have a torpedo-like body form, fringed caudal filaments (“tails”), short antennae and single leaf-like abdominal gills.
Typical habitats
Nesameletus larvae are most common in pools in stony or gravelly, bush covered streams.
Feeding
Nesameletus larvae feed on biofilm (algae and other microorganisms) and plant detritus on the streambed.
Indicator value
Abundances of Nesameletus suggest good habitat and water quality conditions, especially if other mayfly or stonefly groups are abundant. They have tolerance values of 9 (hard bottom sites) and 8.6 (soft bottom sites).
