Ephemeroptera - Leptophlebiidae DC1b - 50883004341

Description:

Description: English: Mayfly probably in the family Leptophlebiidae. Found next to creekline above the ruins in the Common. ID of mayflies is made difficult as many haven't been named or described and keys are usually based on the nymphs (which are long-lived). According to keys.lucidcentral.org/../HTML/Ephemeroptera.html, currently there are 112 described species in Australia. However, this number probably represents less than half the number of species present with estimates of around 330 species in total. My comments - this situation is due a defunding of basic science in Australia. While mayfly generally have 3 filaments at their rear end, the males of many species have 2 very long, white tipped filaments; hence this is a male. The adults only live for hours to a few days as they have no mouthparts. Only one thing on their minds!. Date: 10 January 2021, 19:57:39. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/73840284@N04/50883004341/. Author: Macleay Grass Man.