"If there is one aquatic insect that is always associated with the art of Fly Fishing, then the May Fly is that insect. All aquatic insects are under a constant attack from insect predators such as; their own kind, diving beetles, salamanders, frogs, back swimmers, birds and of course the fish. These insects have a technical name, (Ephemeridae), which translates into the phase, 'lives but a day.' These insects emerge from their underwater world without mouthparts and therefore can't eat. Now, you know why they live only but a day. "(Maine Fly Fishing)
Today's Zits cartoon reinforces the fact that adulthood for mayflies is brief albeit sex-filled. Nymph stage mayflies are indicators of good water quality and fed upon by predators like dragonfly nymphs. As adults mayflies provide food for fish, reptiles (mainly lizards), and all those hungry bird mouths we've noted previously. If fact, we saw more than one Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) transporting a mayfly to a cypress knee nest cavity.
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