Size
up to 1 1/4”
Color
Varies
Description
The Mayfly is a small insect with two pairs of wings, a pair of antennae, and three very long appendages from the rear of its abdomen. Colors vary by species, but most are almost translucent wings with pale to dark brown bodies. Some have iridescent colors on their bodies as well.
Female Mayflies deposit their eggs in the water where the larvae hatch and remain until they pupate and emerge from the water as adults. The adult Mayfly does not feed. Soon after the Mayfly emerges from the water as an adult, it swarms in the air in a mating frenzy that lasts only a couple of nights, and then it dies.
The Mayfly is attracted to bright lights and the adults may become a nuisance when they swarm to lights at night.
Control Advice
Use to yellow ‘bug’ lights in outdoor lighting areas to discourage Caddisflies from swarming around lights at night. Use a vacuum to remove Mayflies that come inside.
Active Seasons
The Mayfly is most active in spring and summer.