<i>Potamanthus luteus</i> L. (Ephemeroptera, Ephemeridae) found for the first time in Finland: notes on the morphology and habitats of the nymphs

Authors

• Kari-Matti Vuori

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33338/ef.84016

Abstract

Five nymphs of Potamanthus luteus L. were found in kicknet samples collected at two riffle sites of the Kymijoki river, Southern Finland. This is the first record of the species in Finland. The Kymijoki river is currently recovering from gross pollution by industrial and municipal effluents. The sediments of the river at some localities are heavily polluted by dioxins and furans originating from the past manufacture of Ky-5 wood preservative in Kuusankoski, located in the upper reach of the river. The nymphs collected from the badly contaminated site had generally darkened gills, possibly indicating impacts of pollution. The habitats were characterized by abundant vegetation, relatively slow current speed and gravel and sand bottoms.