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Ecdyonurus

Ecdyonurus

Ecdyonurus is a type of mayfly that lives in clean water. They have delicate wings and are known for their short life as adults, which is often just a day or two!

Habitat: Freshwater streams

Appearance

The Ecdyonurus is a delicate insect, typically having a flat, broad head and two prominent compound eyes. Its body is slender, often brown or grayish, with two pairs of clear, veined wings and usually two or three long, slender tails (cerci) extending from its rear.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderEphemeropteraFamilyHeptageniidaeGenusEcdyonurus
Ecdyonurus
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Ecdyonurus

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Ecdyonurus never eat! Their only job is to reproduce before they disappear.

Ecdyonurus adults have huge eyes that help them spot mates while flying!

Finding Ecdyonurus nymphs means the river water is super clean and healthy!

Some Ecdyonurus adults live for only a few hours to find a mate!

Special abilities

Ability

Rock Gripper

Ecdyonurus nymphs can cling tightly to rocks in fast-flowing water because of their flattened bodies and strong claws, which helps them avoid being washed away.

Ability

Underwater Breather

Ecdyonurus nymphs can breathe underwater using specialized plate-like gills along their abdomen, allowing them to live in oxygen-rich streams.

Ability

Double Molt Flight

Ecdyonurus has a unique pre-adult flying stage called a subimago, which molts again into a true adult after leaving the water.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
12-30 mm
Size
8-15 mm
Lifespan
1-7 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young Ecdyonurus munch on tiny plant bits and algae from river rocks!

Age differences: Nymphs graze on algae and detritus, but adults do not feed at all.

Primary Foods

  • algae
  • diatoms
  • detritus

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after playing near water to stay clean and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ecdyonurus's wingspan?

12-30 mm

How big is Ecdyonurus?

8-15 mm

How long does Ecdyonurus live?

1-7 days

How fast can Ecdyonurus fly?

8 km/h

What does Ecdyonurus eat?

Young Ecdyonurus munch on tiny plant bits and algae from river rocks!

Where is Ecdyonurus usually found?

Freshwater streams

How does Ecdyonurus hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Ecdyonurus have?

6

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