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National Insect Week returns in 2020

Mayflies

ORDER: EPHEMEROPTERA

(Ancient Greek - short-lived = sheath ; pteron = wing)

Mainly aquatic, found near rivers and ponds, large wings, three "tails", large compound eyes

Insects in this order

  • Green Drake Mayfly

     © Stuart Crofts Ephemera danica female Mayflies are the most primitive winged insects. Nymphs live in freshwater and species show adaptations to their particular niche, in open water they are cylindrical shaped with long thin legs, under stones they are flat and stout with outstretched legs,...

What is National Insect Week?

National Insect Week encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.

Every two years, the Royal Entomological Society organises the week, supported by a large number of partner organisations with interests in the science, natural history and conservation of insects.

Can't wait?

Discover insects now

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News

Great Bug Hunt 2019 winners announced
THE YEAR OF THE FLY
Insect Isles Project
Great Bug Hunt 2018 winners announced
Photography Competition launched

Did you know?

Most poisonous

There are lots of contenders here – possibly the pretty red and blue rove beetle Paederus – very, very tiny amounts of its poison have been used to cure chronic ulceration in people. Ladybirds are pretty poisonous (and pretty) and can bleed foul-tasting poisonous brightly coloured blood from their knees.