A STUDY OF THE MAY FLIES (HEXAGENIA) OF LAKE WINNIPEG
The economic status of the May flies (Hexagenia) of lake Winnipeg is discussed. The nymphs are particularly important as food for sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), light-backed cisco or tullibee (Leucichthys zenithicus), goldeye (Hiodon chrysopsis), and sauger (Lucioperca canadense). Two species are present in abundance, H. limbata occulta and H. rigida, but the former outnumbers the latter by a ratio of 7 to 1. Characters are given for the separation of all stages of these species and their habits are described. Eggs of occulta were hatched after artificial insemination. Later development of both species was followed by statistical measurements of nymphs secured at different seasons. The life cycle extends over two years. Sizes at which moults take place are indicated. Maximum growth is in August and is correlated with the amount of phytoplankton in the lake. No growth takes place in winter. The number of nymphs of occulta of 10 mm. and more is estimated at 62,000,000 per sq. kilometre in the southern part of the lake, and 93,000,000 in the neighbourhood of the Narrows. Corresponding estimates for rigida are 4,500,000 and 44,000,000. Both species are scarce or absent over a large area in the north part of the lake. H. occulta shows a 10 per cent, preponderance of females but is probably not parthenogenetic. Males and females of rigida occur in equal numbers. Parasites are noted, but are local in distribution. Occulta is of greater economic importance than is indicated by the numerical ratio between the two species.