Flyline Mayfly SZ 8

The adult form of the mayfly is very short lived. Literally one day! The eggs of the mayfly are laid underwater, and the nymphs which hatch from the eggs live for two years in the water. Then on a bright sunny day, normally between May and July hence the name. The nymph emerges from the water, and the adult mayfly breaks out of its larval case. From this moment on, the mayfly has less than 24 hours to live. It quickly takes to the air in a hurried search for a mate. Once mated, the males die. The females lay their eggs in the water and then die too. They can be recognised by their short antennae, and either two or three long tail filaments. Their wings are held vertically over their backs when resting. The hind wings are much smaller than the forewings.