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How many times can a mayfly nymph molt?

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A mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) with delicate, veined wings and long tail filaments clings to a green blade of grass against a blurred green background. — mayfly An adult mayfly (*Ephemera vulgata*) in Europe.

The number of times a mayfly nymph molts varies depending on the specific species and its environment. During the nymphal stage, a mayfly may undergo as many as 50 molts before reaching maturity.1