A mayfly - Apobaetis lakota
Valley City State University
A member of the family Baetidae, the small minnow mayflies. The larval stage is relatively small with long antenna. Typically, the lateral gills present on the abdomen are oval shaped. This species has very long claws on the ends of its legs compared to most other members of Baetidae. They are primarily found in the sand dominated (psammophilous) river and stream systems within the northern Red River drainage of eastern North Dakota. Larval stage present throughout the open water season but most abundant through July-August when they typically emerge into the adult stage, which is short-lived.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round resident of North Dakota waterbodies in the larval stage with a short-lived adult form following emergence.
Range Map
Apobaetis lakota potential range in North Dakota.
Reason for SWAP Designation
A Midwest regional species of high concern with limited data in North Dakota and an at-risk species based on expert review (SGCN c), documented in Cavalier County.
Apobaetis is thought to be rare throughout its range and is endemic to North Dakota.
Apobaetis lakota is known to occur in North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas.
According to NatureServe, it is considered imperiled in Kansas.
Threats
Limited habitat availability, land development, climate change, sedimentation, energy development, agricultural practices, habitat modification and inundation due to damming of river systems.
Research and Monitoring
Limited research has been conducted.
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) conducts biological monitoring surveys on State waters as part of their Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) development project.
Additionally, a monitoring protocol for aquatic invertebrates is being developed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) under the State Wildlife Grant Program with implementation as a future goal.
Additionally, a survey of aquatic invertebrates in cooperation with Valley City State University is currently underway to gain additional baseline information on SGCN’s.
Management Recommendations
- Protect and conserve large, intact tracks of native/unbroken forested areas near waterbodies.
- Develop/maintain buffers along and within riparian areas.
- Partner with local, state, and federal entities to limit chemical use in/near aquatic habitats.
- Partner with local, state, and federal entities to remove dams where logically feasible.
- Encourage efficient use of pesticides.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Occurs in medium sized sand dominated river systems such as the Little South Pembina River.
However, the potential exists for Apobaetis lakota to be present throughout the Red River drainage system.