A detailed comparison of two species in the genus Potamanthus Pictet, 1843 from China (Ephemeroptera, Potamanthidae)

Abstract

Photographs and details of structures of two Potamanthus species, P. huoshanensis Wu, 1987 and P. luteus (Linnaeus, 1767), are presented for the first time. Here, based upon Chinese specimens of those species, all external structures are illustrated digitally and compared. The results and photos clearly show that the adults of the two species are different in wing color and genitalia shape, and that their nymphs have different mandibular tusks and forelegs. Specifically, P. luteus has a more colorful body and wings, longer penes and nymphal mandibular tusks but shorter foretarsi than those of P. huoshanensis. This comparison not only confirms the differences between these two similar species, but also supports the updated generic delineations of Potamanthus and Potamanthodes.