Mayflies have one of the shortest lifespans among all insects. In general, the lifespan of a mayfly can vary depending on the species, but it is typically quite short. Mayflies go through a unique life cycle with distinct stages, including egg, nymph (aquatic juvenile), and adult.
The adult mayflies, which are the ones we typically see flying around bodies of water, have an extremely short adult life. They may live for as little as a few hours to a couple of days. Their primary purpose as adults is to mate and lay eggs. After this, they quickly die.
The majority of a mayfly's life is spent as a nymph in the aquatic environment, where they can live for several months to a year or more, depending on the species. Nymphs are aquatic and play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems as they serve as a food source for various aquatic organisms.
It's important to note that the lifespan of a mayfly varies between species and is influenced by environmental factors, including water temperature and other ecological conditions.