Cladistic resolution and ecology of the Madagascar genus Manohyphella Allen (Ephemeroptera : Teloganodidae)

Abstract

The discovery of male larvae from Madagascar [only a female larva was known so far] confirm their identification to the familyTeloganodidae and genus Manohyphella Allen, due to their dioptic compound eyes. Generic level characterization and intergenericcomparisons are given for the first time. In addition, two new species are described from larvae : Manohyphellasphyxia, n. sp. and M. animosa, n. sp. Cladistic analysis shows Manohyphella to represent a basal branch of a clade that includesall Teloganodidae except Ephemerellina Lestage and that it is closest in grade to the southern African genus Nadinetella McCafferty& Wang. Historical biogeographic relationships with regard to Gondwana and the trans-Indian Ocean track are discussed.Larvae were abundant on stones in current in a protected forest stream in Ranomafana National Park in eastern Madagascar butwere at significantly lower densities in five other area streams, including three in the park's agriculture peripheral zone. The relativelyundisturbed condition of the stream where they were found in abundance may in part account for such distribution ; however,gradient characteristics of the stream that produce waterfalls were also typical of habitats documented for other Teloganodidae.The diet of Manohyphella consists mainly of fine detritus. Feeding data from other ephemerelloids are compared, andmaxillary morphology appears well adapted for brushing and scraping.