Project 2 - Taxonomy of Mayflies and Aquatic Invertebrates2.1: Taxonomy of the Australian Ephemeroptera
Challenges
The nine families of Australian mayflies include 118 species and all have taxonomic issues with the inability to determine species at all life stages. The aquatic nymphal stage is important in biological monitoring of water quality and with the limitations of identification to Family only limits the value of these animals for use as indicators of subtle changes. Preliminary studies suggest that all families are poorly known with numerous previously unrecognized species.
Seeking solutions
The objectives are:
- to associate all stages of the life cycle using molecular and morphological techniques,
- describe new species, initially focusing on the Baetidae, and
- prepare well illustrated interactive web-based keys to all life stages.
Approaches
Contemporary DNA barcoding approaches and traditional morphological methods will be combined to associate different life stages and to enable recognition of distinct species. These will be described and published in recognized journals and interactive keys will be developed using Lucid software.
Collaboration
John Dean (EPA Victoria): systematics of Leptophlebiidae, Trichoptera, Ros St Clair (EPA Victoria): systematics of Trichoptera, Richard Marchant (Museum Victoria): aquatic ecology, Faye Christidis (James Cook University): systematics of Leptophlebiidae, Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC). Each of the collaborators brings additional taxonomic expertise to the project, broadening the scope of taxa able to be effectively studied.
Tools for Decision Makers
Journal papers, web-based guides and keys, field guides.
