Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How does diapause help mayfly eggs survive difficult conditions?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
mayfly
An adult mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) in Europe.
Diapause is a highly effective adaptation that allows mayfly eggs to survive by entering a state of suspended development, characterized by a cessation of growth. This process enables the insects to avoid environmental conditions that would be hostile to the developing nymphs or the emerging winged stages.1
By pausing their development, mayfly eggs can remain in this dormant state until more favorable environmental conditions return, ensuring that the next generation emerges at a time when survival is more likely.21