Vineyard School Oak Ambassador alumnus Tristan and his mom (and Learning Among the Oaks volunteer docent) Nancy discovered this fresh new mayfly adult, ready to leave the shed skin of aquatic nymph behind. When it's time for the adult to emerge, the nymph leaves the water. Thanks to LATO friend and entomologist Dennis Sheridan for helping with identification. Mayflies are members of the Order Ephemeroptera, derived from the Greek word emphemeros, meaning "day." It's a fitting name because the adult mayfly has a very short life span - from a few hours to no more than a few days. Learn more about the mayfly life cycle -- super interesting!
