Traits: Delicate insect with two to three hairlike parts at the end of the abdomen; rear wings are smaller than forewings; invertebrate animal

Habitat: Adults: near water; nymphs: streams, lakes, ponds

Foods: Nymphs feed on diatoms, algae, and detritus; adults cannot feed because their mouth parts do not function.

Eaten by: Diving beetles, frogs, fish, waterfowl, shorebirds

Do You Know? Most adult mayflies live for only two to three days; some live for just one to two hours.