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Ephemeroptera Collection

"Ephemeroptera: The Delicate and Transient Beauty of Mayflies" In the world of insects, few creatures embody ephemeral beauty quite like the Ephemeroptera

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Ephemera danica, mayfly larva

Ephemera danica, mayfly larva
The larval stage of a mayfly lasts about a year, and is spent entirely underwater. When it hatches as an adult in the spring, usually May, it is only very short-lived

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Bill of fare from Crystal Palace, 31 / 12 / 1853

Bill of fare from Crystal Palace, 31 / 12 / 1853
Menu for the dinner in the Iguanodon and original artwork by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, donated by his granddaughter Mary Hawkins

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Tisza mayfly (Palingenia Longicauda) portrait, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Tisza mayfly (Palingenia Longicauda) portrait, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Tisza mayfly (Palingenia Longicauda) in the Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Tisza mayfly (Palingenia Longicauda) in the Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Pink lady mayfly (Epeorus albertae) close up of eyes of male, Madison River, Montana

Pink lady mayfly (Epeorus albertae) close up of eyes of male, Madison River, Montana, USA, August

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: European mantis (Mantis religiosa) hunting swarming Pale burrower mayfly (Ephoron virgo)

European mantis (Mantis religiosa) hunting swarming Pale burrower mayfly (Ephoron virgo), mayflies recently hatched. Tudela, La Ribera de Navarra, Navarre, Spain. August

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly (Ephemera lineata) on grass seed, Lagadin region, Lake Ohrid, Galicica National Park

Mayfly (Ephemera lineata) on grass seed, Lagadin region, Lake Ohrid, Galicica National Park, Macedonia, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Tisza mayflies (Palingenia longicauda) swarming, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009=

Tisza mayflies (Palingenia longicauda) swarming, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009=

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly or Green Drake -Ephemera danica-, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Mayfly or Green Drake -Ephemera danica-, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Curtis British Entomology Plate 708

Curtis British Entomology Plate 708
Ephemeroptera: Ephemera cognata = Ephemera vulgata [Plant: Callitriche sp. (Callitriche aquatica Sm. Water Star-wort)] Date: 1824-39

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Curtis British Entomology Plate 484

Curtis British Entomology Plate 484
Ephemeroptera: Baetis dispar = Ecdyonurus dispar (Dissimilar May-fly) [Plant: Nitella sp. (Nitella hyalina)] Date: 1824-39

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Vast swarm of Mayfly (Ephorom virgo) long exposure, emerged at the end of the summer

Vast swarm of Mayfly (Ephorom virgo) long exposure, emerged at the end of the summer Tudela, Navarra, Spain, September

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly (Ephemera lineata) Lagadin region, Lake Ohrid, Galicica National Park, Macedonia

Mayfly (Ephemera lineata) Lagadin region, Lake Ohrid, Galicica National Park, Macedonia, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Tisza mayfly (Palingenia longicauda) hanging from a leaf during moult, Hungary, June 2009

Tisza mayfly (Palingenia longicauda) hanging from a leaf during moult, Hungary, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Three Tisza mayflies (Palingenia longicauda) taking off, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Three Tisza mayflies (Palingenia longicauda) taking off, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Tisza mayfly (Palingenia longicauda) in flight, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Tisza mayfly (Palingenia longicauda) in flight, Tisza river, Hungary, June 2009

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Anglers / Green Drake Mayfly (Ephemera danica) males flying at sunset. digital composite

Anglers / Green Drake Mayfly (Ephemera danica) males flying at sunset. digital composite, Surrey, UK

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Hexagenia limbata insect. nese. Italy

Hexagenia limbata insect. nese. Italy

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Invitation to Dinner in Iguanodon 31 / 12 / 1853

Invitation to Dinner in Iguanodon 31 / 12 / 1853
Original artwork by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, donated by his granddaughter Mary Hawkins

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Palingenia longicauda

Palingenia longicauda
Antique illustration of a Palingenia longicauda

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly or Shadfly -Ephemeroptera-, Ummendorfer Ried nature reserve, Upper Swabia

Mayfly or Shadfly -Ephemeroptera-, Ummendorfer Ried nature reserve, Upper Swabia, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: USA, WA, Bainbridge Island. Mayfly (Ephemeroptera) adults have very short life spans

USA, WA, Bainbridge Island. Mayfly (Ephemeroptera) adults have very short life spans (hours to days) solely for purpose of reproduction

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly -Ephemeroptera- on blade of grass, North Hesse, Hesse, Germany

Mayfly -Ephemeroptera- on blade of grass, North Hesse, Hesse, Germany

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly head C018 / 2425

Mayfly head C018 / 2425
Mayfly head. Close-up of the head of a mayfly (order Ephemeroptera), showing one of its large compound eyes (dark, round)

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly on a flower C018 / 2424

Mayfly on a flower C018 / 2424
Mayfly on a flower. Mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) are aquatic insects whose immature stage (nymph) lives underwater for usually one year

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: European river life, artwork C016 / 3451

European river life, artwork C016 / 3451
European river life. Artwork showing various typical plants and animals that live on a river in southern Europe

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: European river insects, artwork C016 / 3450

European river insects, artwork C016 / 3450
European river insects. Artwork showing various typical insects that live on a river in southern Europe. These include: a mayfly (order Ephemeroptera, centre)

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Exhibition of a giraffe to the public

Exhibition of a giraffe to the public
A printed poster advertising the last week of the magnificent living Giraffe or camelopardalis with its Nubian attendant

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Wombwells Royal National Menagerie

Wombwells Royal National Menagerie
A printed poster advertising Wombwells Royal National Menagerie dated c.1800

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Exhibition of a giraffe to the public, Manchester

Exhibition of a giraffe to the public, Manchester
A printed poster advertising the exhibition of a giraffe from the Surrey Zoological Gardens, displayed in Piccadilly, Manchester

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Wombwells Royal National Zoological Establishment

Wombwells Royal National Zoological Establishment

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Wombwells Royal Menagerie, 1853

Wombwells Royal Menagerie, 1853
A printed poster advertising Wombwells Royal Mengarie visiting Leeds in 1853

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Mayfly in Baltic amber

Mayfly in Baltic amber
A well-preserved Mayfly, Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae in Baltic amber. Specimen originates from the Upper Eocene

Background imageEphemeroptera Collection: Insect larvae

Insect larvae in water. Seen here are: Mayfly nymphs (order Ephemeroptera), black fly nymph (order Diptera, centre) and a caddisfly nymph (order Trichoptera, lower right)


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"Ephemeroptera: The Delicate and Transient Beauty of Mayflies" In the world of insects, few creatures embody ephemeral beauty quite like the Ephemeroptera, commonly known as mayflies. These delicate beings captivate our attention with their short-lived existence and remarkable transformations. One notable species is the Ephemera danica, whose larva stage is a crucial part of freshwater ecosystems. Found in rivers and streams across Europe, these mayfly larvae play a vital role in nutrient cycling and serve as an essential food source for various aquatic organisms. The historical significance of mayflies can be traced back to 1853 when Crystal Palace hosted an extravagant event. Amongst its bill of fare was undoubtedly a sumptuous feast that included these intriguing insects. A testament to their allure even centuries ago. A stunning portrait captured in June 2009 showcases the Tisza mayfly (Palingenia Longicauda) on the banks of Hungary's Tisza river. This mesmerizing image immortalizes thousands of these ethereal creatures swarming together, creating a breathtaking spectacle against nature's backdrop. Not limited to Hungary alone, another captivating photograph reveals the Pink lady mayfly (Epeorus albertae) up close. Its intricate eyes glisten with iridescent hues along Montana's Madison River, showcasing nature's artistry at its finest. Nature often surprises us with unexpected encounters between different species. In one such instance, we witness an European mantis (Mantis religiosa) skillfully hunting down swarming Pale burrower mayflies (Ephoron virgo). This fascinating interaction highlights both predator-prey dynamics and nature's intricate balance. Mayflies are not only found near water bodies but also grace land habitats like Lake Ohrid's Lagadin region within Galicica National Park. Here we spot a Mayfly (Ephemera lineata) perched delicately on grass seed, showcasing its intricate wings and slender body.