Hexagenia limbata
MAYFLY FAMILY (Ephermidae)

Description
This mayfly is approximately 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches or 20 to 32 mm in length. The hindwings are small. There are pale bands across the abdomen. The antennae, legs and tails are pale tan. The eyes are a 2-toned light and dark color. The tails on the female are longer than the male’s.

Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence is not known at this time.

Comments
It is also called Burrowing Mayfly. The mouthparts on the adults are not completely developed, so they are unable to feed. Males and females mate in flight at night. Shortly after mating, the female lays her eggs onto the surface of the water and she dies after egg-laying. The eggs sink to the bottom, and the larvae hatch in a few days. The larva burrows in muddy bottoms of streams and lakes down to a depth of a few inches to 50 feet. They usually spend 1 year as a larva. Adults emerge in the evening and dispurse widely. The adults usually live only a day or two. This genus is a favorite among trout fishermen.

Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.