Mayfly

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Mayflies are insects which belong to the Order Ephemeroptera. They have been placed into an ancient group of insects termed the Palaeoptera, which also contains dragonflies and damselflies. They are aquatic insects whose immature stage (called naiad or, colloquially, nymph) usually lasts one year in freshwater. The adults are short-lived, from a few minutes to a few days depending on the species. About 2,500 species are known worldwide, including about 630 species in North America. Common names for mayflies include "dayfly", "shadfly", "Green Bay Flies", "lake fly", "fishfly," "midgee", "June bug", and "Canadian Soldier." The mayfly belongs to group 1 taxa, or pollution sensitive animals. This means if mayflies are in or around the water, the water should be of a good quality.