How do mayfly nymphs transfer energy through freshwater ecosystems?

Mayfly nymphs are essential components of freshwater food webs, playing a critical role in the energy transfer cycle within these ecosystems.1

Because they are often found in high abundance—sometimes reaching densities of 1,400 individuals per square foot—they serve as a primary food source for various predators. Specifically, mayfly nymphs are preyed upon by fishes, such as trout, as well as carnivorous invertebrates. By consuming organic matter and subsequently being consumed by these predators, the nymphs facilitate the movement of energy through different trophic levels in the aquatic environment.12