mayfly: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 19, 2026

Facts

Also Known As	dayfly • fishfly • drake • up-winged fly • shadfly • Ephemeroptera • sandfly

Photos

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

Green drake mayfly

Mayfly life cycle

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Topics

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