Mayflies
In order of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are classified medium-sized insects, which are characterized by wings stacked up against the torso and three, rarely two long outgrowths at the end of the abdomen. Its larvae inhabit almost all types of inland waters, the running water as well as standing water bodies. A greater diversity of mayflies species is found in running waters, where there are several different habitats. The larvae feed on organic and mineral particles, periphyton algae, bacteria and fungi.
The reproduction of mayflies is very interesting. After the final shedding, the adult mayflies form the mating swarms. Adult females lay eggs into water and often die on the water surface. The larvae hatch after 15-20 days and start their lives buried deep in the river bottom. The characteristic of mayflies is an incomplete metamorphosis. The larvae live in inland waters, where are developing and gradually becoming similar to adult. During the development they are moulting for 15-25 times. The last larvae stage is recognizable by the dark designs of wings. It usually moves to the bank, there rises to the surface and molts in the subimago. After a few hours or days subimago molts to adult imago. Adult mayflies do not feed. All energy supplies are invested into reproduction. In the natural environment, the average lifespan of an adult is 30 hours.
Threats
In Slovenia lives 78 species of mayflies, 60 species are listed in the Red list. Main threats to mayflies are pollution from urban, industrial and agricultural effluents and hydro constructions.
