Emerging Mayfly subimago

A mayfly subimago climbs up the stem of an aquatic plant. Mayflies are aquatic insects, the naiads or nymphs live on the bottoms of rivers. Thy are... more

by James Brunker

Title

Emerging Mayfly subimago

Artist

James Brunker

Medium

Photograph

Description

A mayfly subimago climbs up the stem of an aquatic plant. Mayflies are aquatic insects, the naiads or nymphs live on the bottoms of rivers. Thy are unusual in that they have 2 adult stages in their lifecycle. When the time comes the nymphs moult into winged intermediate adult stage (called a subimago) and emerge from the water, often by climbing using the stems of aquatic plants. They then undergo a final moult into the breeding adult (or imago). Depending on the species the subimago can turn into the imago with a few hours or a few days.

There are 51 species of mayfly found in the British Isles, and over 3,000 worldwide. I'm not exactly sure which species this one is; it could be the March brown mayfly (Rhithrogena germanica, famous for copies being one of the most popular artificial flies used for fly fishing) or the similar and more widespread late March brown or false March brown (Ecdyonurus venosus).

Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or use in any form (print, website, copying and uploading directly to social media sites rather than sharing etc) without prior written permission strictly prohibited.

Uploaded

March 25th, 2021