Late Bloomers

You’ll find this mayfly in the spring, but there are other species that emerge in the autumn.

We were driving back from a workshop the other day when we saw several big, fluttering insects near the road. As we pulled up to the stoplight and got a closer look, we realized that they were mayflies! Different species mayflies emerge throughout the year, from early spring to late fall. The late-emerging species have to beat the impending cold weather in order to mate and lay eggs. Seeing the mayflies in the chilly October air made us think of the video that we made for Texas A&M University's Department of Entomology. In it, we teach about the unique biology and behaviors of these animals. The high-speed mating and courtship scene is a must-see!

Order Ephemeroptera: Mayflies from Bug Chicks on Vimeo.