Mayfly

Mayfly, common insect (order Ephemeroptera) of ponds and rivers. The larvae live in the water and emerge to molt as sub adults. The sub adults immediately molt again into full adults. The adults have 3 fine “tails” (as have the larvae), large transparent forewings, small or no hind wings, and weak legs. The mouthparts are also weak; adult mayflies do not feed during their short life, which may last no longer than an afternoon.