What family do prong-gilled mayflies belong to?

Prong-gilled mayflies are classified under the family Leptophlebiidae. This family is known for its unique gill structure—specifically, the presence of prong-like projections that extend from the gills on the nymphs. This adaptation allows the nymphs to efficiently extract oxygen from the water.

Leptophlebiidae contains a variety of genera and species, many of which are important indicators of water quality in freshwater ecosystems. Their sensitivity to pollution makes them useful for biomonitoring. Understanding the unique features of this family, such as their distinctive gill morphology, plays a vital role in the study of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Other families mentioned, while they may have overlapping habitats and characteristics with mayflies, do not possess the specific prong-like gills that define the members of Leptophlebiidae. This specificity is what distinguishes prong-gilled mayflies from those in Ephemerellidae, Polymitarcyidae, and Heptageniidae, which have different adaptations and evolutionary traits.