Mayfly

aquatic insects · ancient creatures · short-lived

Super ancient insects. Mayflies belong to a group called Palaeoptera that has existed for hundreds of millions of years, making them older than most other insects on Earth.

Most life underwater. Mayfly nymphs live in streams and rivers for up to two years, breathing through gills and eating plants and tiny organisms before they ever take to the air.

Incredibly short adulthood. Adult mayflies may only live for a few hours or a few days, which is why they don't even have working mouths, instead focusing all their energy on finding a mate.

Over 3,000 species. Scientists have identified more than 3,000 different types of mayflies living all over the world in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, and streams.