A Mayfly - Cercobrachys cree
Valley City State University
A member of the family Caenidae, the square-gilled mayflies, named for the square shaped gills on their abdomen. Their short forelegs are a notable characteristic. 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
Cercobrachys cree potential range in North Dakota.
Reason for SWAP Designation
A Midwest regional species of very high concern with limited data in North Dakota and an at-risk species based on expert review (SGCN c).
Documented records in western North Dakota.
Cercobrachys cree is known to occur in eastern Montana, western North and South Dakota, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
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 to large, sand dominated river systems such as the Little Missouri, Cannonball and Heart Rivers.