Mayflies: Order Ephemeroptera

Reside in running water (streams) and attain maximum diversity in warm running water

Most mayfly nymphs are collector-gatherers or scrapers (this is the method the insects use to obtain food).

Most mayflies in temperate regions spend most of their one-year life cycle as nymphs.

Depending on the weather and the species, adults live from one hour to several days.

Drunella grandis nymph (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae) (1.4 centimeters)

Image of Drunella grandis nymph

Illustration courtesy of B.C. Kondratieff, Colorado State University.

Source:

Ward, J.V. and B.C. Kondratieff. An Illustrated Guide to the Mountain Stream Insects of Colorado. Niwot, Colorado: University Press of Colorado, 1992.

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