INSECTS / EPHEMEROPTERA

MAYFLIES

Cloeon dipterum is a tiny Mayfly (5mm length). It is the commonest British Mayfly species, often found around small lakes and ponds from May until October. Males have turbinate (top-shaped) eyes that are believed to assist in locating isolated females in a mating swarm. Females are ovoviviparous producing eggs that form inside the maternal body. The eggs hatch as soon as they are released and hit the water. The aquatic larvae consume algae and pond detritus. Adults do not feed, instead their main motive for living is to mate.