Ephemera danica

Large Mayfly ( Ephemera danica )

The Great Mayfly or Danish mayfly ( Ephemera danica ) is a flash in the pan from the family of Ephemeridae. They are among the most common types of mayflies in Central Europe.

Features

The animals have transparent, slightly dark -spotted wings and on the abdomen end three tail filaments. Your abdomen is yellowish and, in contrast to the very similar Commons Mayfly ( Ephemera vulgata ) bringing up the rear abdominal segments a strong, brown -point drawing, otherwise it is only faintly discernible. They have a body length of 15 to 25 millimeters and a wingspan of 35 to 45 millimeters, the females are slightly larger than males. The tail filaments are only 15 to 25 millimeters long in the male 35 to 40 millimeters, the female on the other hand. The males continue to differ by very long front legs outstretched sitting forward.

The yellowish light brown larvae have a narrow and cylindrical body. They are about 30 millimeters long and also have three tail filaments which measure about 10 millimeters. Their mandibles are narrow and pointed, the legs are short and strong built. On the upper side of the body can be seen two - way branching, feathered gills.

Occurrence

The animals arrive in Europe until an altitude of about 1,000 meters. They live in clear streams and rivers, but avoid excessive turbulence. But they also occur in stagnant water. They fly for two to four days from May to September but mainly in June, they are often to be found anywhere.

Development

The females lay their eggs in the water and dive to in flight several times with the abdomen into the water. After laying their eggs they die and can fall into the water. The larvae live at the bottom of the water on sandy or muddy areas. They dig through the substrate and filter their food, detritus ( dead organic material) out. They are fully grown after at least two years and ready to leave the water. From the larval skin slips as with all the mayflies Subimago that still has clouded wings, in contrast to the adult animal. Her tail filaments are shorter. They fly in the vegetation near the shore and molt after one to two days to the adult insect. Groups of males flying in front and ready to mate during dusk in loops over and around water and look out for females. Once a couple has found, it falls to the ground clutching.