How long does a mayfly live?

There are many species of mayflies that live for only a single day. Others live for several days and some can live for up to a month. Most species of mayflies live for between two and four days. This depends on the species.

How long do mayflies live?

As mayflies are the most abundant insect in our ponds and lakes during their short lifecycle, it can be difficult to understand how long they live. Depending on species, you can expect a lifespan of between 4 and 30 days, with some living as little as two or three days. However, the average lifespan is around 12-15 days.

How long does a mayfly live on land?

Mayflies often spend their entire lives on the ground. They can live for up to two weeks while in this stage. When the adult mayfly has finished mating, it buries itself in the mud and dies. The larvae then burrows into the mud until it reaches the water. It then goes through metamorphosis, turning into a nymph and developing into an adult for another two to three weeks.

How long does a mayfly live in water?

A lifespan in the water does not exceed 30 days. Mayflies spend the first part of their life in the water as larvae. When the larvae emerge as a fly, they develop wings and fly to dry land to complete their life cycle. Mayflies can lay between 300 and 4000 eggs in their short lives.

How long do mayflies live in water?

Adult mayflies spend most of their lives in water. They can survive in rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and bogs. Since they are not able to fly in water, they use their legs to walk on the bottom of the river or lake. When they emerge as an adult from the water, they can fly short distances.