mayfly

Definition

Any of the many fragile insects of the order Ephemeroptera that develop in fresh water and live very briefly as winged adults.

Etymology

From May + fly. Compare Saterland Frisian Moaifljooge (“blowfly”).

Example Sentences

• "While some animals take months to reproduce, mayfly need just one perfect day."
• "[A] silver fish clooped a lazy arc downstream, not really caring that the mayfly were out of reach; […]"
• "Adult mayflies have large compound eyes and most have two pairs of wings.[…]Mayfly nymphs are distinguished by their three tails (two cerci and a terminal filament) and the set of gills on each side of their abdomen."

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