When visiting northwest Ohio, I sometimes see very large numbers of these creatures. This insect belongs to an order that is part of an ancient family of insects termed the Palaeoptera, which also contains dragonflies and damselflies. This designation has been traditionally applied to those groups of winged insects (most of them extinct) that lacked the ability to fold their wings flat over the abdomen.
Mayflies have other ancestral traits that were probably present in the first flying insects, such as long tails and they lack any smell centers in their brains. Their immature stages are aquatic and their presence indicates a clean, unpolluted and highly oxygenated aquatic environment.
These invertebrates are found throughout North America and worldwide. Mayflies emerge as adults from Spring to Autumn (not necessarily in May), in enormous numbers, sometimes attracting tourists. Fly fishermen make use of adult Mayflies by choosing artificial fishing flies that resemble them.
Their aquatic larvae feed on detritus and other plant materials; but the adults, which only live for a few days, do not feed as they lack functional mouthparts. Instead, their sole purpose during this stage is reproduction. They rely on the energy reserves accumulated during their immature aquatic stage to sustain them through their short adult life.
Another intriguing feature of Mayflies is their translucent wings. These delicate structures allow them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them less visible to predators. The transparency of their wings also adds to their ethereal beauty, as they flutter gracefully in the sunlight.
Mayfly swarms are a gift for many insect-eating birds, including eastern kingbirds and tree swallows. They also provide sustenance for fish, spiders, beetles, dragonflies, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
The world of insects is vast and diverse, with each species playing a unique role in the ecosystem. Among these fascinating creatures, Mayflies stand out for their intriguing characteristics and ecological significance. This small and delicate insect, has a life cycle that is as fascinating as it is brief.