How do mayflies live?
mayflies undergo a rapid development in the water. If you have ever held up a fly in a jar of water, you will notice that it changes color and becomes more “sluggish” as it ages. Mayflies are born as “nymphs” that look like miniature versions of the adults. After hatching, the nymph grows rapidly, sheds its skin, and becomes a “pupa.” The pupa stage is the most vulnerable stage of
How long do mayflies live?
Generally speaking, adult mayflies live for about two to four weeks. In some species, the lifespan can be as little as two to three days, while others can live much longer—up to 30 days. It’s important to note that these short lives span only part of the active Mayfly season, and the species that live longer generally have longer dormancy periods.
How long does mayfly live?
If you are wondering how long mayflies live, then you can find an answer in a very easy way – research! The lifespan of a mayfly is variable and dependent on species. For example, the lifespan of a common species of mayfly can be between two and six weeks. Some species can live up to two months. A species called the stone fly has a lifespan of around six weeks, and some species of mayfly can live for up to a year.
How do mayflies live their lives?
As with all insect species, mayflies undergo a series of life stages, including the egg, larva, pupa, and the adult. Mayflies can lay up to 300 eggs, and the larvae can live underwater for a few days, until it finds a suitable place to burrow into the mud. When the larvae pupates, it metamorphoses into an adult fly. The adult mayfly usually lives for only a few days. The lifespan of a mature fly is about one week.
How do mayflies live in lakes?
More than 80% of mayflies live in lakes. Mayflies are especially abundant in the most northern regions of the world where they spend much of their lives burrowing into the lake bed. These burrows are known as a “drift” and provide a safe place to pupate and rear young. In some lakes, drift densities can reach 1,500 per square meter!