Mayfly
About the Mayfly
Their scientific name Ephemeroptera means short-lived wings - adults live only 1-2 days, with some species living just 30 minutes. They have the shortest adult lifespan of any animal. They spend 1-2 years as aquatic nymphs, then emerge in massive synchronized hatches that can blanket towns. Fishermen imitate them with artificial flies. They are indicators of clean water. Over 3,000 species. They are the only insects that molt after having functional wings. The Hexagenia hatch on the Mississippi produces trillions of mayflies that show up on weather radar.
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