Mayflies are the species that are unique in the insect species. They love to live and feed on fresh aquatic water, and they are considered as aquatic insects. The presence of mayflies indicates a fresh, non-polluted, and good oxygenated aquatic environment. There are over 3000 species are found all around the world, and they are classified into 400 different species, with 42 families. They have their large wings that cannot be folded with their body like other insects. They have their own cylindrical, flattened, and elongated body structure that can grow at each stage of their life. They usually grow from 3 to 30 mm in length, and it attracts many tourists. They are named differently in different regions like shadflies or fishflies in Canada and upper Midwestern US, and they are called as up-winged flies in the UK. In this article, we will discuss the lifecycle of mayfly and how to get rid of them.
Lifecycle of Mayfly
A normal mayfly can live upto 3 years, and they should come across 4 stages in their life. The lifecycle of mayfly includes four stages, and they are egg, nymph or naiad, subimago, and imago or adult stage. A female fly can lay from 50 to 10000 eggs according to the species, and it will be usually under the water.
Egg
A female mayfly can lay 50 to 10000 eggs according to its species, and they will lay eggs on the water surface. These pest eggs will be different in shape and size, and they will settle at the bottom of the water body. Some eggs will stick to the plants, and it took a maximum of 3 weeks for hatching.
Nymph
The nymph or naiad stages range from two weeks to two years, and they can get into this stage within 2 years. During this stage the flies will rise above the surface of the water and ready for the next stage subimago.
Subimago
The subimago stage is the life of flies when they can jump from water to land. In this stage, they can survive for 24 to 48 hours, and then it is ready for the next stage. This creature is unique in its subimago molt.
Imago or Adult
As an adult, the lifespan of a mayfly will be a maximum of 2 days. Some of the flies will die soon, after laying eggs and mating.
How to Get Rid of Mayfly?
Mayflies are the species, that will roam around the residential and other human living areas for only a few days. They will be usually available in the months of June and July, and they are not so dangerous to humans and plants. As the dead flies can act as the perfect fertilizer for soil, but they can cause allergic and skin diseases. You can directly sweep them with your broom if you find any. Make sure all the gaps and cracks are sealed and doors are closed tightly. As they are tiny, they can get into any of the small gaps. These creatures will not harm plants, so it is not important to protect plants from mayflies.
Conclusion
Thus, the lifecycle of mayfly was discussed, and it is known that these creatures are useful for many agricultural purposes. If you find more number of flies that are disgusting, you need to hire a professional pest control service. Do not depend on the natural methods used in the home, the experts will help you to eliminate them from your home without harming them and the environment.