Taxonomy of Baetis Leach in Israel (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae)

Abstract

The taxonomy and systematics of the genus Baetis Leach (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in Israel is clarified for the first time as part of an ongoing comprehensive survey of the Israeli mayfly fauna. Six clearly defined species are currently recognized in Israel, four of which are described here as new to science. The validity of all species is supported by a molecular analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene. A key for the identification of the Israeli species based on the nymphal stage is provided, as well as data on their distribution patterns and ecology. The local fauna represents four Palearctic species groups, three of which reach their limit of distribution range in Israel. Baetis species typically inhabit lotic, pristine habitats in northern Israel, with few exceptions for some species that can be found in the Dead Sea area or in ephemeral ponds.

Contribution to the mayflies (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) of Jordan

“…As no identification keys for the regional fauna are currently available, material was identified based on the original descriptions (for Baetidae: Gattolliat et al 2012;Yanai et al 2018;andfor Caenidae: Malzacher 1984, 1992). Subsequently, the specimens were morphologically compared to similar species in the rich collection of Middle-Eastern mayflies housed in Lausanne.…”

Contribution to the mayflies (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) of Israel and the Palestinian Authority

“…It is unlikely that the ranges of these species extend further south, as low humidity and high temperatures limit their distribution. The newly reported species join the known 22 mayfly species in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (Demoulin 1973;Malzacher 1992;Sartori 1992;Yanai et al 2018). The local fauna can be identified at the generic level based on identification keys provided by Sartori (1992; Heptageniidae), Malzacher (1992;Caenidae), and Yanai et al (2018;Baetis).…”

“…The newly reported species join the known 22 mayfly species in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (Demoulin 1973;Malzacher 1992;Sartori 1992;Yanai et al 2018). The local fauna can be identified at the generic level based on identification keys provided by Sartori (1992; Heptageniidae), Malzacher (1992;Caenidae), and Yanai et al (2018;Baetis). Preparations for additional faunal contributions and a complete identification key are currently in progress, with the main remaining gaps found in the Baetidae, where at least four additional species await report and description.…”

“…The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I barcoding segment (COI) was sequenced for representatives of each species. We used the primers HCO2198 and LCO1490 (Folmer et al 1994) and followed the extraction, amplification, and sequencing protocols outlined by Yanai et al (2018). Sequences were uploaded to Gen-Bank (see accession numbers in Table 1) and BLASTed in order to find the closest match available in GenBank.…”

“…These publications remain mostly unknown to the scientific community, as many of them have been issued in Hebrew and for internal use of local authorities. The rich family Baetidae was recently treated by Yanai et al (2018) including the description of four new Baetis Leach species, and work continues (Yanai et al in press). Other families are also being revisited and have resulted in a recently established heptageniid genus (Yanai et al 2017).…”