Code QE089999

Small but distinctive mayflies. Widespread especially in silty areas of rivers, also in still water. Present in arid zone intermittent streams. The family includes some of the more pollution-tolerant of Australian mayflies.

The second pair of abdominal gills is developed as an operculum covering the other gills. The operculum is fringed with fine hairs.

The taxonomy is under review (P.J. Suter): there are two described genera, Tasmanocoenis and Wundacaenis , and several recognised but undescribed taxa of generic rank. Tasmanocoenis is found in all states and territories, Wundacaenis is not found in Tasmania, South Australia and southern Western Australia.

Reference:

Suter, P.J. (1996) Caenidae. pp. 67-75. In: Dean, J.C. and Suter, P.J. Mayfly Nymphs of Australia. A guide to Genera. Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Identification Guide No. 7., Albury, NSW.