The Ephemeroptera or mayflies, are a primitive order of aquatic insects that, as adults, are easily distinguished by the presence of two pairs of membranous wings, the front wings larger and triangular in shape, with the hind wings much smaller (and sometimes absent). The antennae are bristle-like, and two or three long segmented caudal filaments or “tails” extend at the end of the abdomen. Additionally, adults are usually found at or near bodies of water (Fig. 16).
Diagram of mayflies: adult (right) and immature (left). Note that each is divided into dorsal (left portion) and ventral (right portion) perspectives.
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Kondratieff, B. (2008). Mayflies (Ephemeroptera). In: Capinera, J.L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Entomology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6359-6_1753
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