Allometric growth of Campylocia burmeisteri (Hagen, 1888) (Ephemeroptera: Euthyplociidae) from Neotropical mountain streams

In this study, we characterised the relative growth of Campylocia burmeisteri (Hagen, Citation1888) nymphs. We analysed 70 multiple-sized specimens sampled in the Intervales State Park streams, São Paulo State, Brazil. Nymph relative growth was assessed by multivariate morphometric analysis. The Jolicoeur multivariate allometric coefficient revealed that: (1) overall head structures had negative allometry, except for the eyes and mandible tusks; (2) the pronotum also had negative allometry, while mesothorax length and wing pads had positive allometry; (3) the forelegs had positive allometry to length, while hind legs tended to isometry; and (4) the abdomen allometry was also positive. These morphological adjustments observed during nymph ontogeny may be associated with increased feeding efficiency, habitat use, and preparation for adult life.