Order Ephemeroptera

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Mayflies are delicate insects that spend most of their lives as nymphs (larvae) living under water.

Most nymphal mayflies are herbivores feeding on algae and diatoms, or are detritivores feeding on detritus. Most immature stage mayfly species like well-aerated, pollution-free waters.

The adult stage only appears for a few days for mating, and then because they do not feed, will quickly die. Mayflies are unique members of the insect class in that they are the only ones with a winged pre-adult stage. If you see this insect as an adult, you will notice that it usually will have an upturned abdomen and wings held straight up when standing. Usually the adult also has 3 hair-like appendages extending from its posterior.

Much of the mayfly's popularity comes from the fact that it is a major food source for trout.

Families of Order Ephemeroptera

Family	Common Name	Photo Example	Where?
Ameletidae	Combmouthed minnow mayflies	(NA)	here
Baetidae	Small minnow mayflies	(NA)	here
Baetiscidae	Armored mayfly	(NA)	here
Caenidae	Small squaregill mayflies	(NA)	here
Ephemerellidae	Spiny crawler mayflies	(NA)	here
Ephemeridae	Burrowing mayflies	(NA)	here
Heptageniidae	Flat-headed mayflies	(NA)	here
Isonychiidae	Bushlegged mayfly	(NA)	here
Leptohyphidae	Stout crawler mayfly	(NA)	here
Leptophlebiidae	Prong gilled mayflies	(NA)	here
Neoephemeridae	Large squaregill mayfly	(NA)	here
Siphlonuridae	Primitive minnow mayfly	(NA)	here