A Mayfly - Lachlania saskatchewanensis
A burrowing mayfly and member of the family Oligoneuriidae, the brush-legged mayflies. They are named for the brushlike hairs on their front legs. They are primarily found in the large, sand dominated (psammophilous), turbid river systems within the Missouri River drainage of western 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
Lachlania saskatchewanensis potential range in North Dakota.
Reason for SWAP Designation
A regional species of concern with limited species level data in North Dakota.
Also, an at-risk or declining species with North Dakota representing and important portion of its habitat (SGCN b).
Historic records in Montana and Saskatchewan are also limited indicating the rare presence of this sand-dwelling species.
Also considered a species of concern in Montana.
Lachlania saskatchewanensis is known to occur in North Dakota, Montana, and Saskatchewan and is rare throughout its range.
Threats
Limited habitat availability, land development, climate change, sedimentation, energy development, agriculturalpractices and 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.
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.
- Develop/maintain buffers along 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 large, sand dominated river systems such as the Missouri River and Little Missouri River.