Mayfly
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Mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera), thus named for their short lifespans, are not true flies. Adults and nymphs are common food of many freshwater fish, and often bait used by fishermen are modeled after mayflies. Their mouthparts are vestigal, as the adult mayfly does not eat.
Identification
Adult mayflies are are small to medium sized with soft bodies. The antennae are quite small and bristle-like. Tarsi have 3-5 segments. The forewing is large and triangular, with many veins. The hindwing is small and rounded, but usually present. The wings are held together about the body when the animal is at rest. The abdomen has 2-3 hairlike tails.
Life Cycle
Mayflies undergo simple metamorphosis. Nymphs have leaf-like gills on the abdomen and three hair-like tails. Nymphs eat debris and small aquatic life. The last instar molts at the surface of the water or on an object close to the surface of the water. This form is called a subimago, and is not the adult form. Mayflies are unique among insects in that they molt after developing functional wings. The subimago is usually dull colored, and becomes an adult after one more molt. The adult lives from 1-2 days, and does not eat. In some species, males congregate and fly together. Eggs are generally laid on rocks or other objects near the water's surface, or deposited on the surface itself. Adults often emerge at the same time, sometimes piling up on shorelines.
Habitat
Nymphs are aquatic, and are generally found in freshwater ponds and streams. Adults are usually found in the vicinity of nymph habitats.
Taxonomy
Number of species
There are 585 species found in North America, and 2100 worldwide.
Families
There are three families in this order, principally separated by wing venation and tarsel segmentation.
Bibliography
Borrer, DJ and RE White. A Field Guide to Insects: America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, 1970. ISBN 0-395-91170-2